22 November 2023 , 08:32
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Lionel Messi exchanged angry words with Rodrygo during a fiery argument in the moments before Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
There was chaos inside the Maracana before the game had even kicked off, with Brazilian police using heavy-handed tactics on the away fans. Violence erupted in the stands during the national anthems and Messi made a stand by leading his players off the pitch in protest at the treatment of his fans.
Argentina returned to the pitch after a delay, but tensions were still running high between the bitter rivals. Messi was greeted back to the pitch by Real Madrid striker Rodyrgo, who was overheard on the live broadcast saying to the Argentina captain and his team-mate Rodrigo De Paul: “You cowards.”
Messi reacted by putting his hand on Rodrygo’s shoulder and then on the back of his neck to deliver this line: “We are the world champions. Why are we cowards? Watch your mouth.” The 36-year-old then left the scene, leaving De Paul to continue the conversation.
Members of both sides’ coaching staff then rushed to the scene to intervene, with Premier League players Joelinton and Emerson Royale among the Brazil players involved. Emerson’s Tottenham team-mates Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero were also present in the tense moments.
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The fiery nature of proceedings did not calm down much, with the first half lacking fluency due in part to the number of fouls. Nicolas Otamendi broke the deadlock with a powerful header from a corner in the second half and Brazil could not find a way past Emiliano Martinez in goal.
Lionel Messi got up close and personal with Rodrygo (TyC Sports)Joelinton was then sent off for a foul on De Paul and Argentina saw out the game to inflict Brazil’s first ever home defeat in World Cup qualifiers. The result was Brazil’s third successive defeat and left Argentina to celebrate with their supporters inside the Maracana.
“This group continues to make history,” Messi told TyC Sports. “Although today was not the most important, it was very nice. We needed this win after the loss against Uruguay. We knew it was going to be a tough match, similar to the Copa America final. They pressed a lot, they pressured us high and it was difficult for us to have possession for a long time. These matches are defined by details.”
The match was marred by the violence in the stands, which saw two Argentina fans stretchered out of the fray. One had blood pouring down his face, while the other had a neck brace on.
"We saw how the police were hitting people, also with some of our families here. It also happened in the [Copa] Libertadores final, again repressing the people,” Messi said. "They are more focused on that than on playing the game. We are a family. We decided to play to make the situation more calm."