Marcos Senesi’s World Cup dream started in the worst possible way: a criminal kick to the face. The Argentine defender, making his World Cup debut against Jordan, was the victim of a vicious tackle that ended in a penalty for the national team. Romanian referee István Kovács did not hesitate after a VAR review, and Lautaro Martínez converted from the spot.
The play occurred in the 28th minute of the first half, just after the hydration break. Nicolás Tagliafico sent a cross from the left, Lautaro Martínez anticipated and shot, but the ball hit the post. The rebound fell into the six-yard box, and Senesi lunged headfirst to finish. However, before he could connect, a Jordanian defender delivered a direct kick to his face. Senesi lay on the ground, writhing in pain, while his teammates called for a foul.
Initially, Kovács let play continue, but the VAR booth called him to review the play. After a few seconds of analysis, the referee did not hesitate: penalty for Argentina. The decision sparked fury among the Jordanian players, who protested vehemently, but the referee stood firm.
Lautaro Martínez, who had been enduring a goal drought with the Albiceleste, took the ball and assumed responsibility. With power and precision, he shot into the lower right corner of the goalkeeper, who could do nothing. The striker celebrated euphorically, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. «He broke the curse,» fans commented on social media.
The match, corresponding to the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, is being played in a packed stadium. Argentina is looking to secure three points to ensure their passage to the round of 16. With this penalty, the Albiceleste takes the lead, but controversy is served: was the decision fair? Should it have been a direct red card? The debates are just beginning.
Marcos Senesi, for his part, managed to recover and continued on the field, though visibly shaken. His World Cup debut will be marked by this play that could have been a tragedy. The Argentine national team, meanwhile, continues forward with its goal of conquering the World Cup.
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jajaja estos europeos lloran como nenas, para mí la patada fue clarísima y el penal bien cobrado. Argentina campeón y los demás a mirar, mamita querida! Esto huele a envidia de siempre, lloran por todo.
jajaja para mi senesi se fue volando como bolsa de papas ahi no hay penal es de manual… la conchetumadre del var siempre a favor de argentina los chorros de la fifa nos quieren robar el mundial pero asi no vamos a ganar increible como regalan penales parece novela atte el chango