Argentina U20, Mascherano "transforms" a red card into a substitution

A hug and a change

The referee showed the red card to Gino Infantino, but Javier Mascherano preferred to interpret it as a substitution card and made the gesture of calling the substitute, in a curious moment that he lived this Thursday in the friendly between Argentina and Colombia Sub-20 teams.

A hasty expulsion

The curious event occurred at minute 75 of the match, when Infantino committed a strong foul from behind on a Colombian player in the middle of the pitch. Referee Derlis López did not hesitate to show him the red card, but the reaction of “Jefecito” Mascherano was unexpected.

Instead of sending Infantino to the dressing room, Mascherano embraced him, gave him a few words of encouragement, and made the gesture of calling the substitute to enter the field. The referee tried to make him understand that he had expelled the player, but Mascherano insisted on his interpretation.

The situation generated laughter and astonishment among the players, coaches, and fans present at the stadium. Finally, after a few seconds of confusion, Mascherano understood the referee's decision and proceeded to replace Infantino with defender Valentín Barco.

Despite the curious episode, Argentina managed to win the friendly 2-1 with goals from Brian Aguirre and Ignacio Maestro Puch. Colombia's goal was scored by Daniel Luna.