‘Watch your mouth’ – Lionel Messi’s stern WARNING to Rodrygo in Brazil vs Argentina WC Qualifier game

Lionel Messi and Rodrygo got into a verbal altercation ahead of the Argentina vs Brazil game at the Maracana.

‘Watch your mouth’ – Lionel Messi’s stern WARNING to Rodrygo in Brazil vs Argentina WC Qualifier game

Rodrygo, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul (Via X/@AlbicelesteNews)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Brazilian winger Rodrygo exchanged harsh words ahead of kick-off at the Maracanã. The Brazil forward expressed his disapproval of the Argentine squad’s decision to retreat to the dressing room when chaos broke out ahead of the game. Rodrygo was seen telling Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul that they were “cowards” for going into the dressing room.

Chaos broke out in the stands as police charged at the Argentine crowd. Several fans were injured and at least one supporter had to be rushed to medical attention. Lionel Messi hit out against the Brazilian police, saying:

We saw how the police were attacking the people. It also happened during the Libertadores final.

The Argentina squad headed to the dressing room and insisted that they would not return unless the situation was diffused.

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To Rodrygo‘s comment, Lionel Messi replied:

We saw how the police were attacking the people. It also happened during the Libertadores final. The Argentina squad headed to the dressing room and insisted that they will not return unless the situation was diffused.

Rodrigo De Paul was also in close vicinity as the incident occurred. Lionel Messi was seen holding the young Brazilian by the neck as he spoke to the player.

Several players, including Brazil staff, rushed to the scene, preventing any further escalation. The game ended 1-0 to Argentina thanks to a Nicolas Otamendi goal.

Argentina force brazil to lose 1-0 on home turf

The Albiceleste and the Selecao locked horns at the Maracanã on Wednesday. In a gritty encounter, the away side managed to pull away with all three points. After a clash in the stands delayed kick-off, an invigorated Brazil hoped to overcome Argentina, who they were winless against in their last 4 meetings. In a game which was witness to over 40 fouls, Nicolas Otamendi grabbed the winner.

Lionel Messi and teammates after the win
Lionel Messi and teammates after the win (Via X/@CrewsMat10)

The visitors started the game on the front foot, creating the majority of chances at the Maracanã. Gradually, Brazil eased themselves into the game but struggled to finish their chances. Gabriel Martinelli came close to the opener but saw his shot cleared off the line by Cristian Romero. Raphinha also saw his shot saved by Emiliano Martìnez in the second half.

Eventually, Brazil’s missed chances came back to haunt them in the 63rd minute. Nicolas Otamendi leapt over Gabriel Jesus and André to meet Giovani Lo Celso’s swinging cross. His header beat Alisson to go into the top left corner. Brazil’s only chance to equalize fell at the feet of Gabriel Martinelli, who sent his shot directly at Emiliano Martìnez. The game ended 1-0 to the visitors, meaning Brazil lost consecutive World Cup qualifiers for the first time in their history. The win places Argentina top of CONMEBOL qualification, with 15 points in 6 games.

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