Antonio Sanabria spat at Lionel Messi during the match between Argentina and Paraguay (1:0). The captain of the world champion did not give special importance to the moment, and the native of Turin presented his version at the end of the match of the preliminary round of the WC-2026.

Lionel MessiPhoto: Gustavo Garello/AP/Profimedia

Antonio Sanabria accused of spitting on Lionel Messi

In the 85th minute, they collided and Messi turned his back on Sanabria, after which the Paraguayan spat in the direction of the Argentine.

“Sanabria? Colleagues told me in the locker room that someone spat on me. Honestly, I don’t even know who this guy is. I prefer not to speak, otherwise he will go, speak everywhere and become famous” – Lionel Messi.

After the match, Sanabria denied that he spat at Messi and explained that the angle from which the moment was filmed was to blame.

“It’s normal in a match, that’s all. I saw. I got the pictures and it looks like I spat on him, but I didn’t, he’s far away. In the photo it looks from the back like I spat it out, but I didn’t. Yes, absolutely (does not deny the allegations)” – Antonio Sanabria.

Know:

  • The only goal in the game in Buenos Aires was scored by Otamendi (‘3).
  • Lionel Messi came on in the 53rd minute and Sanabria appeared in the 70th minute.
  • In his youth, Sanabria played for FC Barcelona (2009-2014).
  • After three rounds, Argentina is in first place (9 points, goal difference 5-0), and Paraguay is 8th (1 point, goal difference 0-2).

South America, WC 2026 preliminary rating

1. Argentina (goal difference 5-0) 9 points

2. Brazil (7-2) 7

3. Colombia (3-2) 5

4. Uruguay (6-5) 4

5. Chile (3-3) 4

6. Venezuela (2-2) 4

7. Ecuador (4-3) 3

8. Paraguay (0-2) 1

9. Peru (0-3) 1

10. Bolivia (2-10) 0.