'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Lionel Messi seemingly lashed out at Colombia star James Rodriguez during Argentina's 1-1 draw against them in the World Cup qualifiers on June 10. Videos of the altercation went viral online, which showed the Argentine visibly upset with Rodriguez.
The heated clash saw Luis Diaz score (24') the first goal of the game to put Colombia on a 1-0 lead. However, Thiago Almada equalized in the second half (81') for Argentina. The game also saw Enzo Fernandez being sent off with a red card (70') after he hit Kevin Castano on the face with his boots, leaving his forehead bleeding. Lionel Messi was also involved in one of the heated exchanges during Argentina and Colombia's clash, which saw him lash out at James Rodriguez.
Trending
According to TyC Sports, the Albiceleste superstar called out Rodriguez for his comments after the 2024 Copa America final. Argentina won 1-0 over Colombia in the game. During yesterday's match, Messi told Rodriguez (via All About Argentina):
"You said that they helped us in the Copa America final, you talk too much."
Rodriguez reportedly answered (via GOAL):
"I didn't say anything."
James Rodriguez maintained an impressive form during the 2024 Copa America and was named Player of the Tournament after leading Colombia to the final. However, Lautaro Martinez's strike during extra time saw Argentina win the final 1-0, marking their second consecutive Copa America title after 2021.
What did James Rodriguez say about Lionel Messi's Argentina after the 2024 Copa America?
Lionel Messi's heated argument with James Rodriguez during Argentina's 1-1 draw against Colombia in the World Cup qualifiers reportedly had its origins during the 2024 Copa America. The Argentine legend confronted Rodriguez about some of his comments after the final, where he claimed the referees favored the Albiceleste. After the 2024 Copa final, the former Real Madrid star had said (via GOAL):
"We had an excellent Copa America. Obviously, we wanted the title, but we didn’t win the Copa America because of external things, I think. The referee favoured Argentina. He didn’t give us penalties. For me a clear one."
James Rodriguez had seven goal contributions in six appearances for Colombia in the 2024 Copa America.
Meanwhile, despite maintaining an impressive form throughout the tournament, Lionel Messi had to be subbed off during the final due to an ankle injury. The Argentine was seen crying on the bench after having to leave the pitch, and remained out for around two months. He made five appearances for La Albiceleste, scoring and assisting once each.
