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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Peru beaten in World Cup qualifier</li><li>Martinez scores second-half winner</li><li>Guerrero complains about refereeing</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Touch Lionel Messi with a finger and a foul is called!' - Furious Peru captain Paolo Guerrero suggests Argentina benefit from referee bias after narrow World Cup qualifying loss

<p>Peru had 18 fouls called against them and received three yellow cards as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/argentina-player-ratings-vs-peru-lionel-messi-s-outrageous-assist-lifts-la-albiceleste-to-conmebol-world-cup-qualifying-victory/blt4cb02c74bbd8b860" target="_blank">they were beaten 1-0 by Argentina in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night</a>. The defeat leaves la Blanquirroja rooted to the bottom of CONMEBOL qualifying for the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/2026-world-cup-power-rankings/blt047305a4117d1161" target="_blank">2026 tournament</a>, and captain Guerrero let out his frustration at full-time.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>By contrast, Argentina are first in the standings after winning their eighth match out of 12 qualifiers. Martinez's winner, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/argentina-player-ratings-vs-peru-lionel-messi-s-outrageous-assist-lifts-la-albiceleste-to-conmebol-world-cup-qualifying-victory/blt4cb02c74bbd8b860" target="_blank">courtesy of a Messi assist</a>, pushed them closer to sealing their place in the 48-team tournament. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking after the match, Guerrero suggested that referees are biased towards Messi and Argentina.</p><p>"It’s a bit difficult to play against Argentina," the 40-year-old told the media. "Every contact was a foul for the referee, but when we were touched, no calls were made. They are a bit tough, but you know how it is."</p><p>In a second interview, he added: "We were touched and no fouls were called. You touch Messi with a finger and a foul is called on us all. That makes it a bit difficult because it conditions you."</p>

WHAT GUERRERO SAID

<p>Lionel Scaloni's side has had a remarkable year, highlighted by their <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-angel-di-maria-lift-copa-america-trophy-argentina-colombia/blt1dbaecfe54a0162e" target="_blank">Copa America triumph</a> in the summer. They'll aim to secure qualification next March with crucial matches against Uruguay and Brazil.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?

'Touch Lionel Messi with a finger and a foul is called!' - Furious Peru captain Paolo Guerrero suggests Argentina benefit from referee bias after narrow World Cup qualifying loss | Goal.com South Africa

Peru captain Paolo Guerrero believes Lionel Messi and Argentina benefitted from the referee&apos;s officiating in their 1-0 defeat.

&apos;Touch Lionel Messi with a finger and a foul is called!&apos; - Furious Peru captain Paolo Guerrero suggests Argentina benefit from referee bias after narrow World Cup qualifying loss