Messi 'explodes' at referee in Argentina draw: 'Two times you fucked us'
The referee gave Paraguay a penalty and ruled out a Messi goal to make it 2-1
It's not normal to see Lionel Messi upset with the referee. The Argentine star has been fouled constantly throughout his career but has always focused on his own business. However, he couldn't help but get mad with the Brazilian referee Raphael Claus during his country's 1-1 draw with Paraguay on Thursday.
Claus awarded a debatable penalty to Paraguay after a challenge by Marínez Quarta on Miguel Almirón. Messi approached the referee to contend the decision and remind the official that four minutes earlier there had been a very similar play at the other end of the pitch and he gave nothing.
Later, in the second half, and after Argentina had equalised, Messi has a goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up after VAR reviewed the strike which would have made it 2-1. "Two times you've fucked us," Messi, the Argentina captain, told referee Claus after the goal was ruled out.
On the sidelines, the Argentina bench also 'exploded' after seeing the review of the goal on the monitor. "Disgraceful," shouted coach Scaloni.
Argentina could not find the winning goal despite pushing for it. Messi hit the bar with a free-kick but in the end the Albiceleste had to settle for a draw.
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