Messi Criticises Uruguay’s Young Players After World Cup Qualifier

Messi Criticises Uruguay's young players after 2-0 loss

Lionel Messi expressed his displeasure with the young players from Uruguay’s team after Argentina’s 2-0 defeat to them in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier. This defeat marked Argentina’s first since winning the 2022 World Cup.

When asked about Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte’s obscene gesture towards Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, Messi commented, “Well, these young people have to learn. They [Uruguay] have a good group of players, a good national team, but they have to learn respect from their [Uruguay] elders because this Clásico was always intense and hard, but always with a lot of respect. So they have to learn a little.”

Ugarte, 22, downplayed the incident, stating, “These are things from the game that remain there. Now we have to enjoy.”

In the 19th minute, De Paul had been involved in a scuffle with Uruguay defender Mathías Olivera, triggering a brawl. Messi himself was captured pushing his right elbow into Olivera’s chest and placing his left hand around his throat.

“It’s normal in this type of games, qualifiers; it’s always like this with Uruguay,” Messi explained. “We knew what type of game we were going to find. It was difficult for us to play. They are intense and have physical and fast people. We did not feel comfortable.”

Meanwhile, Luis Díaz delivered a remarkable performance for Colombia, scoring two goals within four minutes to secure a stirring 2-1 victory over Brazil in their World Cup qualifier. This came just days after guerrillas freed Díaz’s father, Luis Manuel Díaz Jiménez, who had been kidnapped in late October.

The Liverpool forward’s cathartic evening included 10 attempts on target, with his goals coming in the 75th and 79th minutes. Brazil, despite an early lead from Gabriel Martinelli, suffered their second consecutive World Cup qualifier defeat, dropping to fifth place in the South American standings.

As Brazil faces Argentina in their next match, both teams will be looking to bounce back after recent setbacks. Argentina, despite losing 2-0 at home to Uruguay, still holds the top spot in the standings. Goals from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez secured Uruguay’s victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a tense match at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.

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Evelyn Ndi