Lionel Messi appeared visibly agitated during Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Colombia on Matchday 16 of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, reigniting a controversy that dates back to the Copa América final. The Argentine captain confronted Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez over his earlier accusations of referee bias in favour of Argentina.
70th Minute Sparks Verbal Clash
The tense moment unfolded in the 70th minute, shortly after Enzo Fernández received a red card. Broadcast cameras caught Messi walking up to Rodriguez and confronting him. “You said I helped you in the final, you talk too much…,” Messi said. A stunned Rodriguez replied, “Why? I didn’t say anything.”
Old Comments Resurface from Copa América
This confrontation is linked to remarks Rodriguez made after Argentina defeated Colombia in the 2024 Copa América final. In an interview on Los Amigos de Edu, James had said:
“The referee favoured Argentina. He didn’t give us penalties. For me, a clear one.”
He also remarked, “Obviously, we wanted the title, but we didn’t win the Copa América because of external things, I think.”
Rodriguez Responds: ‘What Happens on the Field Stays There’
Following the match, Rodriguez addressed the situation briefly and appeared to downplay the exchange. “What happens on the field stays on the field,” he told reporters.
🔥🗣 "VOS DIJISTE QUE NOS HABÍAN AYUDADO EN LA FINAL, HABLÁS MUCHO”
El tenso cruce entre Lionel Messi y James Rodríguez. #EliminatoriasEnTyCSports pic.twitter.com/QGexwSrQm6
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) June 11, 2025
Messi Holds On to Grudge Over Bias Claims
Messi’s reaction suggests he hasn’t forgotten or forgiven the implications that Argentina’s Copa win wasn’t legitimate. The fact that both players engaged in the confrontation during a crucial qualifier underscores the depth of the issue.
Colombia and Argentina Share Points in Qualifier
Despite the drama, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. With both teams still battling for qualification spots, the encounter will be remembered as much for the verbal altercation as for the result.
As Argentina looks forward to the next matches, fans and analysts will be watching to see if Messi elaborates on the confrontation or lets it fade with the final whistle—something Rodriguez has already opted for.
