Lionel Messi When Argentine hailed Liverpool star for “knowing ball”

• Lionel Messi recently hailed Dariwn Nunez amid the striker’s form for Uruguay
• Uruguay recently defeated Argentina 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier
• Messi identified one aspect of Nunez’s game that proved devastating for Argentina

It’s not every day you get a compliment from Lionel Messi on how you play football.

The Argentine recently left Liverpool fans fluttered as he singled out one of their players for one devastating aspect of his game.

Before your mind goes to Messi’s international teammate Alexis Mac Allister, we’ll let you know right now that the compliment actually went out to an opponent.

Messi singled out Darwin Nunez after Uruguay ended Argentina’s unbeaten run with a 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, November 17.

Ronaldo Araujo opened the scoring for Uruguay at La Bombonera, with Nunez making it 2-0 three minutes from time.

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Uruguay were almost flawless tactically, and their masterclass earned them a comment from Messi, who singled out 24-year-old Nunez for his style of play.

“Uruguay are good at rebounding and playing in space on counter attack. They have excellent players for that like Darwin [Núñez]…” Messi told TYC Sports.

Nunez’s form for Liverpool

At club level, Nunez is also proving doubters wrong as he has been excellent for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

In 17 games, the Uruguay international has scored 13 times. His goals for Uruguay have been a great driving force in the nation’s quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa appears to have found the key to unlocking Nunez’s potential as the striker has scored and assisted three times apiece in five World Cup qualifier matches.

Where are Uruguay in the standings?

After ending Argentina’s run of 14 consecutive victories, Uruguay followed it up with a 3-0 win over Bolivia to keep them in second place in the COMNEBOL table, two points behind Argentina, who beat Brazil 1-0 in a fiery clash.

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Brazil facing points deduction

Sports Brief also reported on how Brazil face a potential points deduction following the chaos that marred the game against Argentina.

The two South American heavyweights met in a 2026 World Cup qualifier match at the Maracana Stadium. Brazilian police were spotted hitting fans with batons after a fight broke out just before kick-off.

Argentina players and Brazil captain, Marquinhos headed over to the stands in an attempt to defuse the situation. Lionel Messi was then seen ordering his side to leave the pitch until order was restored.