‘He does it on purpose’ – Messi hits out at Brazilian official

Lionel Messi has hit out at Brazilian match official Wilton Sampaio following Argentina’s 1–0 win against Peru on Friday. Although he said he is happy to have three more points in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Lionel Messi took aim at the weather and referee, with the Paris Saint-Germain superstar claiming that the Brazilian match official makes contentious decisions “on purpose”.

Messi posted on Instagram: “Difficult match, difficult to play. A lot of wind, they were playing deep, leaving little space for us.

“The referee always does this when he referees us, as if he does it on purpose. But well, three important points and we’re close to our objective.”

Inter Milan’s forward Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal to give the Albiceleste three more points on the road to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.