Peru’s clash with Argentina in World Cup qualifying left more than a 1-0 scoreline in favor of the hosts. Paolo Guerrero, the historic leader of the Peruvian national team, expressed his indignation at the arbitration led by Wilmar Roldán. The striker criticized what he sees as a clear bias in favor of the Albiceleste, particularly in relation to global football icon Lionel Messi, saying a foul was called every time he was touched, even if it was just “with one finger”.
Beyond the result, the statements of the top scorer of the national team focused on the treatment reserved for renowned players by the referees. While the fouls against the Peruvians seemed to go unnoticed, any contact with the Argentine captain was penalized, according to Guerrero. These statements sparked debates in various sports media, reigniting the discussion about the influence of media figures on match outcomes.
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Paolo Guerrero made no secret of his displeasure at what he saw as unequal treatment on the pitch at La Bombonera. The Alianza Lima striker highlighted that Colombian referee Wilmar Roldán displayed biased behavior by systematically penalizing Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates. According to him, the slightest contact with the Argentine star resulted in a whistle.
“If you look at it, we matched them physically. I don’t know what analysis you make or what the diagnosis is of this match, but I believe we were up to the task physically. It’s quite difficult when the referee tells you “They pushed us, and not a single foul was called, yet you touch Messi with a finger, and they call a foul every time. Nobody says anything because it’s Messi. Predator in front of Movistar cameras Deportes.
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In addition to highlighting the irregularities of the refereeing, Paolo Guerrero took the opportunity to reflect on his team’s performance. The forward noted that Peru did not play to their full potential and lacked the audacity to create more dangerous situations against an Argentina who dominated much of the match, although without much penetration.
“Their pressure in midfield was intense, but we could have played more, passed more. I found myself one-on-one, I dribbled to receive a ball, but nothing. We lacked daring, d “Being more reckless and letting the ball move around we could have created more situations because they were often poorly placed. Sometimes we could have kept it more and not always chased it. Guerrero said.
The striker’s analysis reveals a necessary self-criticism in these difficult times for the Peruvian national team, which, after its defeat against Argentina, fell to the last position of the qualifications for 2026. Guerrero pointed out that the Internal errors also weighed on the result and made it clear that the path to qualification remains strewn with pitfalls.
One of the most notable moments of Paolo Guerrero’s statements was his announcement that he plans to end his cycle with the Peruvian national team. At 40, the striker indicated during the post-match interview with ‘Fútbol en América’ that this could be his last qualifying campaign, hinting at the possibility of a withdrawal from international football once this stage is reached. finished.
“I don’t know what will happen next year. I think my teammates did a great job, and I’m just grateful to them. As for me, I can’t tell you. It’s possible that yes (it was my last match with the national team), but I’m not a coward I’m not going to abandon ship I’ll be there for whatever the ‘professor’ asks of me. I love my jersey, even if my country makes me “I love my people, my homeland very much,” said Paolo Guerrero.
