Lionel Messi and Argentina fell to a 1-2 defeat against Paraguay in Asuncion on Friday. The match was a heated encounter, and at half-time, the Argentina captain could be seen confronting Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco for a decision in the first half.

In the 32nd minute, Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete got a yellow card. Five minutes later during a counter-attack, he brought down Messi to the ground, but the referee ignored it, not handing a second yellow. At the end of first-half, Messi confronted the referee and could be seen pointing his finger at him. 

Then, there was another incident when Messi attempted to take a corner but was targeted by Paraguay fans, who threw bottles at him.

Taking to Instagram, Alderete apologized to Messi for the treatment by Paraguay fans. ‘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)’, he wrote.