Lionel Messi raged at Brazil forward Rodrygo while backing up Argentina team-mate Rodrigo De Paul after a delayed start to the game at the Maracana.
Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier was pushed back half-an-hour following clashes with Albiceleste supporters at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium – and the hostilities didn’t end there.
Immediately after the players returned to the pitch, De Paul and Rodrygo could be seen in deep – and antagonistic – conversation, before Messi rushed over to support his Argentina colleague.
According to reports from TyC Sports, Rodrygo accused Messi, De Paul and Argentina of being “cowards”, after the Albiceleste captain threatened a walk-off due to continued brutality from Brazilian police.
In response, Messi is said to have retorted: “We are the world champions, why are we cowards? Watch your mouth.”
The match was eventually played despite the initial lengthy delay.
However, a Nicolas Otamendi goal was enough to consign Brazil to their third straight defeat and their first ever at home in World Cup qualifying games.
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The rivalry was far from over after the full-time whistle, as Messi took to Instagram to call out the “crazy” violence suffered by Argentina fans at the hands of Brazilian authorities.
