Thursday, 18 October 2012 14:39

SANTIAGO: Paraguayan assistant referee Nicolas Yegros (pic, right) insists he does not understand the controversy surrounding him having a photograph taken with Lionel Messi.

The official was seen posing with the Barcelona superstar during the half time break of Argentina's 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile in Santiago on Tuesday.

Yergos was asked to explain his decision after the photo went viral, but remained unflustered by the surprise generated as a result of the exchange.

"I really don't know why it is being talked about so much," he told reporters.

"The referees, we are a part of the footballing environment and I do not see why there is a problem.

"I also had a photo with Alexis Sanchez, who is also a Chilean international idol, Barcelona player and teammate of Messi."

During the half time Yegros approached Messi and asked him to pose for the photograph. Despite Messi’s awkward pause, Yegros smiled enthusiastically beside his football idol.

Football officials are expected to be impartial towards any team or player.

However, Yegros did not fear the Fifa's reaction towards what he did since it was his last official match, according to the South American media.

Yegros got to watch Messi score as he helped Argentina to a 2-1 win which gave the visitors a three-point lead in the standings of South American World Cup qualifying campaign.

Argentina have 20 points from nine matches, three more than Ecuador, who drew 1-1 away at Venezuela, and four ahead of Colombia, who have a game in hand.

- mD