Javier Mascherano was the only Barcelona player in action for Argentina in their World Cup Qualifying match against Peru on Thursday. Because of Lionel Messi's injury, very few Barça fans actually cared about that game. But something weird happened.
Late in the second half, with only ten minutes go, Argentina had a very important 2-1 lead, and playing against Peru away from home is no easy task. Gonzalo Higuain and Ramiro Funes Mori scored for the Albiceleste, who were in great position to pick up a key road victory to go level on points with Brazil in second place of the South America standings.
And then, Mascherano did something you rarely see from one of the most consistent players in football, both for club and country.
#EliminatoriasEnTyC Penal para Perú... https://t.co/dIWlq8bIpL
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) 7 de outubro de 2016
Mascherano tried a pass back to the goalkeeper, but instead he gave the ball away to Peru striker Paolo Guerrero, who was then fouled by Funes Mori. You can see in the video how Masche is frustrated with his mistake, and it was costly since Christian Cueva took the penalty and tied the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw that felt like a loss for Argentina, especially for Mascherano.
Asked about his mistake after the game, El Jefecito was clearly unhappy with himself:
It happens, Masche.