"You could lay a finger on him and it's a foul, but no one says anything because it's Messi"

Peru suffered a painful defeat in the hands of Argentina on Tuesday night. Lautaro Martinez's sole-goal at the 55th minute of the game proved to be decider, condemning 'La Blanquirroja' to bottom place in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. 

Skipper Paolo Guerrero was not happy with the officiating during the clash and took the opportunity to express his frustration in an interview post-match. "I don't know what your analysis and thoughts of this match will be, but physically we were level," he began.

"It’s a bit difficult to play against Argentina. Every contact was a foul for the referee, but when we were touched, no calls were made. They are a bit tough, but you know how it is," the 40-year-old veteran told the media in reference to the 18 fouls called against his side.

In his second interview, Guerrero specifically picked on the Argentine captain as he said: "We were touched and no fouls were called. You touch Messi with a finger and a foul is called on us all. That makes it a bit difficult because it conditions you. But no one says anything because it's Messi," the Peruvian concluded.

 

November 20, 2024