Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez engaged in a long verbal joust during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier with Colombia last night.
The game ended 1-1 with Argentina salvaging a draw after falling behind to Luis Díaz’s stunning opener. The hosts had Enzo Fernández sent-off for a high challenge on Kevin Castano but equalised through Thiago Almada, not long after Messi had asked to be taken off with 12 minutes to go.
It was a good point for Colombia, who enhanced their chances of joining Argentina in qualifying for next summer’s World Cup finals, but much of the post-match talk centred around the spat between Messi and James.
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What happened between Messi and James?
Tension was already running high in a feisty encounter when Fernandez caught Castano with a shocking tackle that saw the defender left with stud marks on his forehead.
The Chelsea midfielder was duly shown the red card, prompting a series of stoppages during which Messi and James came together.
Messi is reported to have told James: “You said they helped us in the final, you talk a lot,” with the Colombian replying: “I didn’t say anything.”
James was asked about the incident after the match but was not willing to elaborate, adding: “What stays on the field, stays on the field.”
🔥🗣 “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
What did James say last year that riled Messi?
The issue between the two number 10s seems to stem from James’ remarks after last summer’s Copa America final that Argentina won 1-0 courtesy of Lautaro Martinez’s goal in the second period of extra-time.
Afterwards, the former Real Madrid playmaker suggested the world champions had been given preferential treatment by tournament organisers Conmebol.
He told Spanish TV programme El Chiringuito: “We had an excellent Copa America but, for external reasons, I don’t think we could be champions.
“The referee influenced things a lot, he didn’t give us one or two penalties and, for me, one was clear.”
He added: “We played in cities that involved long journeys, while Argentina had a less demanding schedule.
“We played a good final but they scored three minutes away from penalties.
“I’m not saying that they did not deserve to win but it is true that things influenced it and held us back. It’s what happened and it is what it is.”
What happened after the game?
The animosity continued afterwards with Argentina central defender Nicolas Otamendi clashing with Colombia’s Ricardo Rios.
Otamendi was reported to have told Rios to take off his headband as he looked like a “clown.” Rios responded by shouting: “You’re old. Shut up idiot, you’re old, you can’t even run.”
Messi then turned his ire on referee Juan Gabriel Benitez, approaching the official and telling him: “This is your fault You’re the one who caused all this, you’re the one who caused all this, with the decisions you made.
“You’re the one who sparked everything that happened.”
Otamendi added on Argentine television: “It created a tough game that affected us because in every dispute, the referee called everything for them.”
