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Lionel Messi and Argentina were caged, with the football great described as a wrestler after an incident against Uruguay.
Argentine great Lionel Messi has found himself at the centre of a controversy that has left fans around the world shocked and in disbelief during the gripping clash against rivals Uruguay.
Messi narrowly escaped a red card following a heated altercation in Argentina’s 2-0 defeat at home in the FIFA World Cup qualifier in the early hours of Friday.
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23:50 - 12.11.2023
Lionel Messi poses in front of giant World Cup art ahead of Brazil and Uruguay clashes
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi touches down in Argentina ahead of World Cup qualifier clashes.
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08:35 - 17.11.2023
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Messi chokes Uruguay star
The match between Argentina and Uruguay was keenly anticipated, especially for the visitors who were looking to close the gap between them and the world champions.
However, the match took a twist when tensions rose in the physically demanding after a pivotal incident between Messi and substitute, Giovanni Lo Celso.
The Ballon d’Or winner found himself entangled in a heated confrontation which saw him chokeslam the former Tottenham player following an altercation between the teams.
That incident has now become a key talking amount for fans, who have taken to social media to express shock that the Barcelona great was not punished by the referee.
Social media platforms have lit up with debates about the issue, with some questioning Messi’s behaviour and faux-humility.
Here are some of the reactions from micro-blogging platform, X.com.
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12:15 - 17.11.2023
‘Young people have to learn to respect’ — Messi reveals reason for brawl between Argentina and Uruguay players
Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi was seen choking an opponent during Argentina's loss to Uruguay in the South American World Cup qualifying match
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15:30 - 15.11.2023
I kicked him so hard but could not stop him — Ghanaian legend opens up on facing Lionel Messi
Bayern Munich legend Sammy Kuffuor has revealed how difficult his first encounter with Lionel Messi was.
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Uruguay ends Argentina’s record
Meanwhile, it was a day to forget for the World champions, Argentina, who suffered double heartbreak.
The Messi-led champions were 2–0 losers on the day to Uruguay, with goals from Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo.
Argentina lost for the first time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with their visitors also putting an end to their impressive 25-match unbeaten streak in the qualifiers.
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‘Young people have to learn to respect’ — Messi reveals reason for brawl between Argentina and Uruguay players
Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi was seen choking an opponent during Argentina's loss to Uruguay in the South American World Cup qualifying match
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