Hammer holds Messi and Co to rugged draw

Hammer Fabian Balbuena played all ninety minutes for Paraguay this evening and helped hold Lionel Messi and Argentina to a 1-1 draw.

Balbuena was playing in the World Cup Qualifiers tonight when Argentina fell behind to a first-half penalty in Buenos Aires.

Angel Romero coolly converted after Lucas Martinez Quarta was adjudged to have brought down Miguel Almiron.

Nicolas Gonzalez equalised for Argentina four minutes before half-time when he bulleted a header home from a Giovani Lo Celso corner kick.

But though Messi thought he had completed the comeback by finishing a flowing counter-attack on the hour, VAR ruled out the goal for an infringement spotted at the start of the move.

Argentina coach and former Hammer Lionel Scaloni called for clarity and consistency over the system after the game, saying: “I think there has to be a way of uniting the themes of VAR. We are left with a bittersweet taste because Argentina did everything to win.”

Balbuena has been in fine form for West Ham since getting his chance in the starting line-up after Issa Diop fell victim to Covid.