In the 11th match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying round in South America, Argentina faced off against Paraguay, with Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco’s decisions drawing significant attention.

In the 37th minute of the first half, Lionel Messi led a counterattack, only for Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete, who had already received a yellow card, to commit a clear foul.

This should have resulted in a second yellow card and his dismissal, but Daronco chose to overlook it, much to the frustration of the entire Argentine team.

Coach Lionel Scaloni was outspoken in his criticism, calling Daronco’s decision “brazen” and demanding a penalty. “Omar Alderete fouled Messi, but Daronco didn’t send him off,” Scaloni argued.

As a response, Messi himself approached the referee at the end of the first half, pointing out the referee’s error in failing to show a second yellow to Alderete.

The first half concluded in dramatic fashion in Asunción, with Messi turning to the referee, raising his finger, and seemingly questioning the call.