(VIDEO) "You're a coward." Messi confronts referee after Paraguay defeat

Argentina's shocking 2-1 loss to Paraguay saw Lionel Messi involved in an unusual post-match controversy.

Details: Following the match, Messi approached Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco and expressed his frustration in an uncharacteristically harsh manner.

Quote:

"You're a coward, and I don't like you!", Messi reportedly told the referee.

During the game, Messi failed to register any decisive actions. Argentina's lone goal came from Lautaro Martínez, assisted by Enzo Fernández.

Despite the defeat, Argentina's position at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers standings remains unaffected, with Lionel Scaloni's team still in first place.

Reminder: Elsewhere, Brazil played to a surprising 1-1 draw against Venezuela, with Raphinha scoring a rare direct free-kick goal for his team.