"We deeply regret this" - Paraguay star apologizes to Lionel Messi after fans from stands threw water bottle at Argentina captain

Paraguay defender Omar Alderete apologized to Lionel Messi on social media after fans threw a water bottle at him during Argentina's 2-1 loss to Paraguay. The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers fixture took place on Thursday, November 14, at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

During the match, some fans threw a water bottle at Lionel Messi when he attempted to take a corner. Clips capturing the moment went viral on social media. The derogatory term "sh*tty dwarf" was also allegedly used for the Argentine legend.

In an Instagram story after the match, Paraguay's Omar Alderete apologized to Lionel Messi on behalf of his country's fans. He wrote (via GOAL):

“Dear Leo Messi, I want to apologize on behalf of my country for the unfortunate incident in which someone threw a bottle at you. You are an idol for millions here and around the world (especially for Fede). We deeply regret this disrespectful act that does not represent the affection and admiration we feel for you."

Argentina's 2-1 loss to Paraguay marked their third loss in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, alongside the ones against Uruguay (2-0) and Colombia (2-1). However, La Albiceleste still sit atop the CONMEBOL table with 22 points from 11 games. They will next face Peru on November 19 in the World Cup qualifiers.

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"You are a coward" - Lionel Messi reportedly complained to the referee during Argentina's 2-1 loss to Paraguay

Leo Messi during the game - Source: Getty

Lionel Messi was spotted losing his cool during Argentina's 2-1 loss to Paraguay on November 14. The scoreline read 1-1 at half-time as Lautaro Martinez's opener for La Albiceleste (11') was cancelled out by Antonio Sanabria's strike in the 19th minute. Omar Aldarete's goal in the second half (47') sealed the win for Paraguay.

During the first half, Messi was subjected to a number of hard tackles by Alderete. The Argentine captain was fouled five times in the entire game (via SofaScore) and was seen complaining about the fouls to referee Anderson Daronco, who rejected his pleas. At half-time, Messi looked visibly frustrated with the referee.

According to a video captured by SBS Sport, Lionel Messi confronted Anderson Daronco during half time. He reportedly said (via GOAL):

"You're a coward, I don't like you!"

Lionel Messi did not have the best game against Paraguay, despite playing the entire 90 minutes. He maintained 89% passing accuracy, made two key passes, and placed one shot off target. He registered no shots on target and had two of his shots blocked. He also lost possession 14 times.

All match statistics are as per SofaScore and are subject to change as per the website's prerogative.