Peru captain Paolo Guerrero lashed out at the referees following their slender 1-0 defeat against reigning world champions Argentina in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, claiming that the Albiceleste skipper Lionel Messi received special treatment while fouls against the Peruvian players went unnoticed. 

"It's hard when the referee conditions you. They were pushing us, and no fouls were called. But you touch Messi with a finger, and it's always a foul," Guerrero vented in an interview with Movistar Deportes after the game.

"No one says anything because it's Messi, right? Any little contact, any touch, and it's a foul. Meanwhile, they pushed us, and nothing was called. It's tough because it changes the flow of the game. Most of their chances came from set pieces," Guerrero added.

Peru had 18 fouls called against them and received three yellow cards as they were left at the bottom of the standings of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. 

Meanwhile, Argentina stayed on top of the standings, having won eight of the 12 qualifier matches. Assisted by Messi, Lautaro Martinez scored with a half-volley in the game against Peru to help Argentina finish the year as the number one-ranked FIFA side, and within touching distance of sealing their place in the next 48-team World Cup. 

Messi also reached a milestone in the game, moving joint-top with USA's Landon Donovan for most international assists (58), while  Martinez is now tied with legend Diego Maradona as the country's fifth all-time scorer with 32 goals. 

Peru, with seven points from 12 games, are six points adrift from the playoff spot and 10 points from direct qualification. However, Guerrero remains hopeful of Peru's chances. 

"I don't think we're out yet; we still have a chance. Anything can happen. Peru has come back from difficult situations before, when everyone wrote us off. We're going to keep fighting. I believe in my teammates, in my jersey, and in my country. We just have to give everything we've got," Guerrero said.