Matias Galarza, the hero who scored Paraguay's winning goal against Turkey, also gained attention from a widely shared video on social media. Towards the end of the first half at San Francisco Bay stadium, players from both teams were involved in a brief on-field altercation. While attempting to intervene and separate the players, El Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton dropped his smartwatch.

Matias Galarza picks up the referee's watch during Paraguay's victory over Turkey in a Group D match at the 2026 World Cup in Santa Clara, California, near San Francisco, on 19/6. *Photo: Harbeler*

Galarza approached the watch lying on the grass, bent down, picked it up, and placed it on his wrist before continuing to move. The video of this incident garnered millions of views across social media platforms. "Galarza seems to have stolen referee Barton's watch", the UTDKarra account posted on X, accompanied by a laughing emoji.

Former German referee Patrick Ittrich, now a commentator for World Cup programs, also expressed surprise upon seeing the initial footage. He stated, "I don't understand why a player would do such a thing".

In reality, however, Galarza only kept the watch briefly. The 24-year-old midfielder returned it to referee Barton shortly after picking it up on the field. The El Salvadoran referee showed no negative reaction, not even issuing a warning or penalty to the Paraguay player.

Galarza picking up the watch. *Video: X/UTDKarra*

Earlier in the match, Galarza scored the opening goal with a long-range shot in just 65 seconds, marking the fastest goal since the start of the 2026 World Cup. By the 4th minute, he had already received a yellow card. Therefore, a penalty for taking the referee's watch would have resulted in his expulsion. However, during the same altercation, midfielder Miguel Almiron was shown a red card for covering his mouth while arguing.

Galarza is currently experiencing a notable period in his career. He developed in the Olimpia academy before playing for Vasco da Gama, Coritiba, Talleres, and River Plate. Galarza currently plays for Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) on loan from River Plate.

At the national team level, the midfielder debuted for the Paraguay national team in late 8/2022. To date, he has played 16 international matches and scored 4 goals. Galarza's latest goal helps Paraguay maintain hopes of advancing in Group D and led to Turkey's early elimination.

*Hoang An (according to Marca, Excelsior)*