The Paraguayan forward Antonio Sanabria has spoken out amid the dispute surrounding an alleged spitting incident involving Lionel Messi during a World Cup qualifier between Paraguay and Argentina. The Torino striker, 27, issued a message on his social media channel to address the controversy and clarify his position on the events that took place on the field.
Sanabria rejected accusations that he spat at Messi, insisting the claims are false. He asserted that he and his family have faced serious threats since the incident came to light, underscoring how harmful and unsettling online and offline abuse can be for athletes and their loved ones.
After the match, Messi was asked about the situation by TyC Sports. He said teammates had mentioned the matter in the dressing room but offered a cautious stance. Messi remarked that he preferred not to amplify the issue and hinted that if the accusation were true, it could lead to widespread talk and unwanted attention.
The episode has cast a shadow over a fixture that was part of the ongoing World Cup qualifying campaign. Both nations are focused on their paths toward Qatar and the broader tournament, with Argentina aiming to maintain momentum in the qualifiers while Paraguay seeks to secure points against a strong regional rival.
Looking ahead, Messi and the Argentine squad are scheduled to play again on October 18 in a match against Peru, a fixture that holds high significance as teams accumulate results toward the World Cup berth. The broader narrative continues to unfold as fans, analysts, and players weigh in on the controversy and its implications for on-field conduct and sportsmanship in international football.
As the campaign progresses, observers will be watching closely how both players manage the fallout from the incident. Statements, social media posts, and public reactions will all contribute to the ongoing discussion about behavior, accountability, and the impact of heated moments on a sport that thrives on competition and fair play.
Note: The above summary reflects statements and reporting from ongoing coverage of the event, with attribution to primary outlets covering the World Cup qualifiers and related interviews. (Goal)