Football
Lionel Messi grabbed an opponent by the throat during a match
Lionel Messi / Photo: © Daniel Jayo / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
Argentina national team striker Lionel Messi took part in a brawl during the 2026 World Cup qualifying match with the Uruguay team.
The meeting took place at the Bombonera in Buenos Aires and ended in a defeat for the hosts with a score of 0:2. In the second half, the 36-year-old Argentine became involved in an episode in which he first pushed and then grabbed Uruguay defender Matias Olivera by the throat. Several other players from both sides took part in the clash.
Messi escaped punishment and did not receive a yellow card from the main referee of the match.
The Argentina national team interrupted its unbeaten streak of 14 matches, but ranks first in the 2026 World Cup qualifying table with 12 points. This defeat was the first for the Argentines as world champions.
Watch live broadcasts of the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches on the Match holding channels, as well as on the websites sportbox.ru and matchtv.ru.
Source: Sportbox
Thomas Astudillo is a sports journalist and author who writes for Sportish. He has a deep love and knowledge of sports, and is known for his engaging and informative writing on the latest sports news and events.