Lionel Messi 'attacks' referee after Argentina struggle against Peru in World Cup qualifier

• Lionel Messi was critical of the weather conditions and the referee as Argentina struggled through a 1-0 win against Peru on Friday, October 15
• The Argentine national team are currently on a 25-match unbeaten run on the international stage
• Messi however was accused by fans of “making excuses” after dismal performances against Peru in a World Cup qualifier

Lionel Messi on Friday, October 15, took aim at Brazilian match official Wilton Sampaio and the weather after Argentina’s narrow 1-0 win over Peru in World Cup qualifier.

Argentina narrowly beat Peru 1-0 early morning on Friday, October 15, thanks to a Lautaro Martinez strike, but the side were far from their best on the day.

After the game, Messi shared an image of the Argentina team on his Instagram with a caption that left fans talking.

“Tough game. Lots of wind, they [Peru] all leaving behind few spaces. The referee whenever he directs us does the same, it seems he does it on purpose,” the caption read.

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"But hey 3 important points that bring us closer to our goal," the message continued.

PSG superstar Lionel Messi claimed that the Brazilian match official makes contentious decisions “on purpose''.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner endured a night to forget as he struggled to make an impact, with the 34-year-old suggesting afterward that testing conditions and those calling the shots conspired against him.

Argentina were fortunate to leave with maximum points after hosts Peru were awarded a second-half penalty.

However, Yoshimar Yotun cannoned his spot-kick off the crossbar to the delight of the Argentines who are now unbeaten in 25 matches.

Lionel Messi ‘ranked’ 4th in the running for coveted Ballon d’Or

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Robert Lewandowski has been tipped to win this year’s Ballon d’Or after the Bayern Munich legend missed it last year.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has continued with his breathtaking goal-scoring form and indeed, he deserved to have scooped the prestigious prize last year.

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But the award was not given year due to the pandemic last year.

However, the Ballon d'Or returns this year and a total of 30 players have been shortlisted for the coveted prize including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a ranking released by UK outlet Mirror, Lionel Messi was not named in the top three as the Argentine is tipped to finish fourth.