“I can't talk about that. Madrid won't let me" - Real Madrid's Rodrygo provides cheeky response to question about his feud with Lionel Messi

Real Madrid star Rodrygo cheekily refused to comment on his bust-up with Lionel Messi before Brazil lost 1-0 to Argentina in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Rodrygo and Messi exchanged words just prior to kick-off at the Maracana on November 22. Violent scenes between Brazilian police and Argentine fans marred the clash between the two South American nations.

Lionel Messi took his Argentina players off the pitch due to the fighting in the crowd. The game was postponed for around 30 minutes before eventually starting but not before the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner clashed with Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid forward is alleged to have called Albiceleste 'cowards'. Messi hit back, saying (via GOAL):

"We are the world champions, how are we cowards? Watch your mouth."

Rodrygo remained tight-tipped over his altercation with Argentina's captain. He said after Madrid's 4-2 win over Napoli in the UEFA Champions League on November 29 (via the source above):

"I can't talk about that. Madrid won't let me."

The Brazilian laughed before exiting the interview. Speculation now grows over the conversations held by Real Madrid's hierarchy and Rodrygo regarding the incident at Maracana. Messi is yet to comment on the bust-up with the 22-year-old.

Rodrygo was on the scoresheet in Madrid's victory against Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu. It brings his tally for the season to eight goals and five assists in 19 games across competitions.

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Rodrygo's father took aim at Lionel Messi after the Real Madrid winger's bust-up

Lionel Messi argued with Rodrygo.

Rodrygo's father Eric made his feelings clear over the spat between his son and Lionel Messi. The Brazilian posted several images of the incident as well as a picture of the legendary forward grabbing Uruguay's Mathias Olivera by the throat on his Instagram. He captioned it:

"The little saint who doesn’t get into trouble with anyone."

The pair had to be separated by Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. Messi initially explained why he took the players off the pitch at Maracana:

"We're leaving. We can’t play in these circumstances.”

The reigning world champions beat Brazil 1-0, courtesy of Nicolas Otamendi's header. It was the first time Selecao suffered defeat on home soil in FIFA World Cup qualifying action. Fernando Diniz's side were reduced to 10 men when Joelinton was sent off.

Lionel Scaloni's men sit top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 15 points from six games. Rodrygo's Brazil are sixth with seven points from as many games.