Eviscerated For Spitting on Lionel Messi, Paraguayan Star Denies Ugly Gesture Hours After Humbling Against Argentina

Things certainly kicked off in Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, and Lionel Messi is at the heart of the swirling stories. There was a huge uproar after it appeared that a Paraguayan player spat on Messi shortly after the Inter Miami star came on the pitch.

Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 in Buenos Aires to continue their 100% winning streak in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Nicolas Otamendi’s goal in the 3rd minute was enough to give Lionel Scaloni’s men the 3 points on the night. However, since La Albiceleste’s victory, there has been much said in the media involving the spitting incident surrounding Messi, and now both parties have issued a response.

Lionel Messi reportedly spat on by Paraguayan player in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifier

Messi, who has struggled with injury for his new club Inter Miami, came on in the second half for Manchester City youngster Julian Alvarez in Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. During his second-half cameo, words were exchanged in a heated altercation between Messi and Paraguayan player Antonio Sanabria and camera angles showed Sanabria spitting on Messi’s back. Now, both parties have commented on the incident, as per recent reports.

As this tweet on X reveals, Messi spoke about the incident saying: “In the locker room, I was told that I had been spat on, but the truth is that I don’t even know who this guy is. I haven’t seen anything, but I don’t want to give importance to this thing otherwise it will make him famous, so it’s better to leave it at that.”

In response to the incident and allegations, Sanabria reportedly said, “I saw the images and it looks like I’m spitting on him, but no. It’s also far away. I totally deny it.“

Sanabria was, in fact, a former Barcelona youth product who currently plays in the Serie A for Torino. Despite Messi not knowing who he is, Sanabria also scored 12 goals for Torino in Serie A last season.

However, this news comes after Lionel Messi’s current club Inter Miami failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs. Following Miami’s 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati, Messi’s future has been up in the air.

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Messi could secure a loan move to Barcelona or elsewhere during a 4-month break

While the Argentine World Cup winner is certainly gaining fitness, the Inter Miami star’s coming 4-month break from soccer in the USA has led to speculation about what he will do during the layoff from his club duties at Miami.

Some reports have even suggested a sensational loan move back to his boyhood club Barcelona. However, that does seem difficult considering Barcelona’s financial struggles and because the Catalonian club can only sign players when the winter transfer window opens.

Messi’s future over the next 4 months remains unknown but the Argentina captain will surely look to keep La Albiceleste’s impressive record in the World Cup qualifiers going. They face Peru next on 18th October.

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