The Argentine newspaper 'La Nacion' made bizarre allegations about the 2010 friendly between Ireland and Argentina today. The FAI have since refuted those allegations pointing out that the friendly was arranged in May 2009 by another party and had nothing to do with the 2009 World Cup playoffs.
The paper contended that Irish players were paid $10,000 to 'not hit' Messi.
It's fair to say that a cursory viewing of the highlights of the game rather undermine these allegations. Richard Dunne, for instance, puts one fairly hefty challenge on Messi which, on its own, appears to render the whole thing nonsensical.
Recommended
Here it is from a closer angle.
Here's a video made on Messi's contribution during the game.
