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Lionel Messi doesn't want to give Paraguay forward Antonio Sanabria the time of day amid allegations that he spat at the Argentina superstar.
Sanabria appeared to spit at Messi in the 84th minute of La Abiceleste's 1-0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying win against Albirroja. The pair were involved in a bust-up, with the Inter Miami star enraged at the Torino striker.
Lionel Messi has commented on claims claiming the Paraguayan spitting at him but he preferred not to give him any exposure. He said following Argentina's victory (via Argentine journalist Roy Nemer):
"Sanabria (Paraguay player)? They told me in the locker room that someone spat on me. The truth is that I don't even know who that boy is. I prefer not to talk, otherwise he's going to go out and talk everywhere and will be known."
Lionel Scaloni's world champions clinched a 1-0 victory against Paraguay courtesy of Nicolas Otamendi's third-minute goal. Messi entered the fray in the 53rd minute to a rousing reception at the Estadio Monumental upon his return from injury.
Messi nearly netted on his return to international football with Argentina with a brilliant free-kick attempt in the 92nd minute. The Barcelona icon curled a wicked effort that clipped the post.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was sidelined for many weeks with a muscular injury. He'd only made a 37-minute appearance for Inter Miami on his return to MLS action following the previous international break in early September.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni admits he took a risk bringing on Lionel Messi
Many expected Lionel Messi to be rested against Paraguay due to his time on the sidelines with a muscular injury. Argentina are set to face Peru on Wednesday (October 18) and there was a feeling that that World Cup qualifier was a more reasonable return date.
However, Scaloni opted to bring Messi on but has admitted that it was a risky move. He said (via GOAL):
"We will talk in the next few days. He has two more training sessions to continue collecting minutes and we will see. It is not discounted that he plays, it is not discounted that he does not play - because I haven't talked about that yet - but today I think it was risky that he could get more minutes than usual."
Scaloni added that other players are able to contribute but that he will hold talks with the Inter Miami superstar in the coming days regarding a Peru appearance, saying:
"We talked about it and we agreed on that and I think it was prudent because we run the risk of having a problem - especially because of the level that the team can show with guys who can contribute other things. We will talk in these days and we will decide.”
Messi has made a superb start to life at DRV PNK since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. However, the Herons have struggled in his departure and Gerardo Martino will be eager for the Argentine icon to be at full fitness when he returns to the MLS.
