
Date: November 15, 2024
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Match: Argentina vs Paraguay
Result: Paraguay 1-0 Argentina
The Argentina vs Paraguay match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers was not only memorable for its dramatic outcome, with Paraguay securing a stunning 1-0 victory over the World Cup champions but also due to a series of controversial VAR decisions that influenced the flow of the match.
In an unprecedented move, the VAR audios from the match have been released, shedding light on the decision-making process during the penalty review situations that caused a stir during the game. The release of these audios is an effort by FIFA and CONMEBOL to maintain transparency in officiating and demonstrate how the technology is used to ensure fair play in high-stakes matches.
The Controversial Penalty Calls:
Throughout the match, Argentina felt they had been denied a penalty on two separate occasions, leading to tension on the pitch and subsequent debates. The two key moments revolved around handball and foul decisions in the penalty box, with Argentina players, including Lionel Messi, visibly protesting the referee’s no-call.
1. Handball Incident (First Half):
- Situation: Early in the game, Argentina appealed for a handball after a cross from Messi appeared to strike the arm of Paraguay’s defender, Fabián Balbuena. The referee initially waved away the claims, and the VAR was called into review the incident.
- VAR Review: The audio released reveals that the VAR team conducted a thorough check to determine whether there was any clear and obvious error in the referee’s decision. The key discussion was whether Balbuena’s arm was in a natural position or whether it was extended unnaturally to block the ball. After a series of slow-motion replays, the VAR team concluded there was not enough evidence to overturn the referee’s initial decision. The referee’s on-field ruling of “no penalty” was upheld.
- Outcome: No penalty was awarded to Argentina after the VAR review.
2. Potential Foul on Messi (Second Half):
- Situation: In the second half, a dangerous tackle from behind on Lionel Messi inside the penalty box raised further questions. Messi was brought down by Paraguay’s midfielder Enzo Pérez, and once again, the Argentina players felt a penalty should have been given for the foul.
- VAR Review: The VAR team was quick to assess the play. The audio of the conversation reveals that the VAR officials discussed whether the contact was sufficient to warrant a penalty. After examining multiple angles, they determined that Pérez’s challenge on Messi did not meet the threshold for a foul worthy of a penalty, as Messi appeared to lose balance even before the tackle was made.
- Outcome: Again, the original no penalty decision was upheld, leaving Argentina frustrated and questioning the VAR’s criteria for awarding penalties.
Key Takeaways from the VAR Audios:
- Consistency in Decision-Making: The VAR audios emphasize the need for consistency in decision-making. Both penalty calls were reviewed carefully, but the refereeing team maintained that there wasn’t enough clear evidence to overturn the initial calls. This highlights the challenge VAR faces in handling subjective situations such as handball or fouls in the penalty area.
- Transparency: By releasing the VAR audios, FIFA and CONMEBOL are aiming to demonstrate how the technology is used to maintain fairness. However, the audios also reveal the level of scrutiny and debate that occurs behind the scenes, with the final decisions being made after thorough discussions between the on-field referee and the VAR team.
- Controversy and Discontent: While the release of the audios is an effort to provide clarity, many Argentina supporters, as well as Lionel Messi, were vocal in their displeasure with the outcome of these decisions. The frustration was particularly evident as Argentina was unable to get a penalty after what appeared to be clear fouls on Messi and Balbuena‘s handball.
What This Means for the Future:
- VAR’s Role in the Game: The VAR audios have sparked ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and transparency of video-assisted refereeing in football. While VAR aims to eliminate clear errors, it remains a contentious issue when decisions fall into subjective territory, such as penalty incidents.
- Impact on Argentina’s World Cup Qualification: The controversial penalty decisions come at a crucial time for Argentina, as they fight to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. While the match ended in a 1-0 defeat, the release of the VAR audios may prompt further discussions on how to improve decision-making and consistency in future matches.