After a rather underwhelming win over Peru in Argentina’s latest World Cup qualifier, Lionel Messi shared his thoughts.
Lionel Messi has hit out at referee, Wilton Pereira Sampaio, following Argentina’s 1-0 win over Peru in a World Cup qualifier.
Lautaro Martinez’s first-half goal ensured Argentina’s unbeaten run extended to 25 matches and added another three points to their tally on Thursday to stay on course for World Cup qualification.
In truth, it wasn’t the most convincing of victories in Buenos Aires. Lionel Scaloni’s side had several chances to score and dominated possession for large periods, but couldn’t extend their lead. Had Yoshimar Yotun not hit the crossbar during a second-half penalty for Peru, it could’ve been a very different story.
“Hard match, difficult to play. A lot of wind, they were playing deep, leaving little space for us,” Messi posted on Instagram.
In response to the Brazilian referee, who denied Lautaro a potential penalty in the first half and later awarded Peru a spot-kick, Messi added: “The referee always does this when he referees us, as if he does it on purpose.
“But well, [the] 3 important points bring us closer to our objective.”
Argentina return to action on November 11 for another South American World Cup qualifier away to Uruguay.
As for Messi’s club, Paris Saint-Germain, they’ll face Angers in Ligue 1 on Friday evening without the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. Check out the preview and betting tips for the match here.
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