AFCON 2025
Paraguay midfielder Matías Galarza became the center of attention during his country’s victory over Turkey in the early hours of Saturday, June 20, not only for scoring the decisive goal but also for an unusual incident involving the match referee’s watch.
Galarza opened the scoring in the opening minutes, helping Paraguay secure a valuable win. However, it was an unexpected moment late in the first half that quickly went viral among football fans.
The incident occurred during a heated confrontation involving players from both sides. As referee Ivan Barton of El Salvador attempted to restore order and separate the players, one of the watches he was wearing was accidentally pulled from his wrist and fell onto the pitch unnoticed.
Spotting the device on the grass, Galarza picked it up and, rather than immediately returning it, briefly placed the watch on his own wrist. Television cameras captured the Paraguayan midfielder adjusting the watch and examining it as play preparations continued.
The light-hearted moment quickly sparked reactions on social media, with fans joking that Galarza had earned himself a temporary promotion to referee duties.
Despite the unusual sequence, there was no controversy surrounding the incident. The watch was eventually returned, and Barton was seen wearing the device again during the second half as the match proceeded without further issues.
While Galarza’s winning goal ultimately proved decisive on the scoreboard, his brief stint as the “owner” of the referee’s watch ensured he left the pitch with more than just three points and a goal to his name.
