WATCH: “Retired footballer now a boxer” – Fans react to Lionel Messi GRABBING Mathias Olivera’s neck during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier defeat against Uruguay

Messi grabbed Olivera's neck before elbowing him during the qualifier.

WATCH: “Retired footballer now a boxer” – Fans react to Lionel Messi GRABBING Mathias Olivera’s neck during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier defeat against Uruguay

(L-R) Mathias Olivera, Lionel Messi (Source: via Reuters)

In a tense CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifier game between Argentina and Uruguay, Lionel Messi was seen backing his teammates when a scuffle broke out between the two sides. Messi was caught on camera elbowing and grabbing Uruguay’s Mathías Olivera by the neck to push the player away.

At the 19:10 minute mark, there was a heated argument between Mathías Olivera and Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul. Other players quickly intervened to separate them. Lionel Messi rushed to help but ended up elbowing Olivera and briefly grabbing his neck. Surprisingly, no players were booked for the incident, and the game continued. However, Olivera received a yellow card in the 79th minute.

YouTube video

In La Bombonera stadium, Uruguay broke the reigning World Cup Champion’s winning streak, marking their first loss since the 2022 FIFA World Cup‘s opening match. Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez scored, creating a tense game with over 7 bookings. Consequently, Argentina maintains the top spot on the table, while Uruguay trails by two points in second place.

FS Video
https://twitter.com/MessiWorldAR/status/1725308537260150956?s=20

The two nations will face each other again in the reverse fixture of the Qualification round in Uruguay on the 25th of March 2025.

Twitter reacts to Lionel Messi’s aggression

Lionel Messi, usually known for his calm attitude in soccer, surprised fans when a video of him elbowing and grabbing a Uruguayan player, Mathias Olivera’s neck went viral. Despite rarely engaging in fights, some fans found his actions entertaining and argued that he’s unlikely to get a red card compared to other players.

Mathias Olivera and Lionel Messi in action during the Uruguay vs Argentina World Cup Qualifier.
(L-R) Mathias Olivera and Lionel Messi in action during the Uruguay vs Argentina World Cup Qualifier. (Source: via GOAL)

Here are some of the reactions:

Argentina will now take on Brazil in 5 days for their next fixture in the qualification. With both sides coming off a loss in the previous fixture, both nations will be looking to reset their results and get back to winning ways.

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