The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Peru national team apologise after Lionel Messi is goaded with chants of 'Cristiano, Cristiano' and Argentina team bus is attacked and pelted with rocks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A bus carrying Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates was pelted with rocks in Peru last night.
Peruvian fans attacked the team coach as the players left training at Lima's Estadio Nacional, on the eve of the 2014 World Cup qualifier between the two countries.
According to Argentine sports daily Olé, no players or coaching staff were hurt in the incident in which some windows on the bus were broken.
"They threw bricks at us," said Juan Carlos Crespi, an Argentine Football Association official and the Boca Juniors director who attempted to lure Carlos Tevez back to the club last year.
The Peruvian national football team have since apologised for the violence.
"As hosts, we offer our most sincere apologies to each and every one of the members of the Argentine delegation," they wrote on Twitter.
Reports that Peru are planning to use a tight man-marking system to combat Messi have led to tensions between the two sides and Peruvian daily El Comercio has reported that security has been stepped up at the Argentine team hotel.
Argentina's captain was earlier goaded by a group of Peruvian fans, as he arrived at the hotel in Lima's San Isidro district, with shouts of "Cristiano, Cristiano".
Qualification group leaders Argentina will start tonight's game as strong favourites after their 3-1 win over Paraguay on Friday and Peru will face a real test against an all the more fired-up opposition.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments