Chaos broke out during Argentina's 2026 World Cup qualifying match versus Uruguay.

In the first half, Lionel Messi seemed to elbow Mathias Olivera, a defender for Napoli.

Since the World Cup final, Uruguay has been the first team to score against Argentina.

Mathias Olivera of Uruguay argues with Lionel Messi during their World Cup qualifier match on November 17. Photo by Marcos Brindicci.


As both teams nearly collided, Uruguay's trip to the La Bombonera to play Argentina in the competition for a spot in the 2026 World Cup threatened to devolve into mayhem.


The world champions had won all four of their previous games to lead the South American rankings going into the match, with Uruguay trailing well behind with seven points.


In more than 50 games, Argentina has only lost once, and that was unexpectedly against Saudi Arabia in Qatar.


The host team honoured Emiliano Martinez and Lionel Messi for their recent victories at the 2023 Ballon d'Or honours before the game began. The former took home a record-breaking eight titles, and Emi was named the best custodian (Yachine Trophy winner).


In the heat of the moment, Messi appeared to put his elbow on Mathias Olivera's chest when the two groups of players squared off just 19 minutes into the match.

A few minutes later, Manuel Ugarte was also involved with Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul. Fernandez pushed Ugarte away, and he was later seen making an obscene gesture.


Ronaldo Araujo turned in some outstanding effort by Matias Vina down the left flank, which gave Marcelo Bielsa's team the lead in the 40th minute. La Albiceleste hadn't given up a goal since Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick in the World Cup final.


After a fast counterattack put the Liverpool striker one-one-on-one with Martinez, Darwin Nunez added a second goal three minutes from time to condemn Argentina to only their second loss in four years.