Lionel Messi was at the very center of an intense Argentina-Brazil World Cup qualifier match last night on November 21. Known as the ‘Superclasico‘, an Argentina versus Brazil game rarely disappoints. Although it appeared as if the passion and intensity of the match had been taken up a notch. However, some fans might have missed Messi’s fiery exchange of words with Brazil’s Rodrygo during the game.
The Argentina versus Brazil clash was marked by controversies even before the match had begun. During the time when the players were singing the national anthems, a huge section of Argentina fans clashed with the Brazilian authorities. The security personnel started charging the fans with their batons, leaving a lot of Argentine supporters seriously injured.
The incident didn’t go down well with Lionel Messi, who immediately rushed to confront the authorities with his compatriots. When the situation didn’t normalize despite the attempts from the players, Messi led his teammates back to the dressing room and only returned when things had calmed down. However, soon after he came onto the pitch, Messi was spotted exchanging words with Brazilian forward Rodrygo.
🚨 The dialogue between Lionel Messi and Rodrygo before the Argentina Brazil match.
Rodrygo to Lionel Messi: “You cowards.”
Lionel Messi: “We are the world champions, why are we cowards? Watch at your mouth.” Via @TyCSports. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/UhFE7Ek4mb
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 22, 2023
According to reports, Rodrygo had reportedly called Messi and the Argentine players “cowards.” The Inter Miami star retorted, “We are the world champions, why are we cowards? Watch at your mouth.” Despite Rodrygo’s comments, it was Messi who had the final laugh. Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi scored a 63rd minute goal to hand Brazil their third consecutive defeat, and their first defeat at home in the World Cup qualifiers.
Lionel Messi struggles with an injury concern against Brazil
Despite Argentina’s victory against Brazil, the Albicelestes had a moment of concern during the match. In the first half, Messi was spotted receiving treatment on his right thigh near the groin region. While he did return to the pitch immediately, it looked as if the 36-year-old veteran soccer star was struggling a bit. While Messi started the second half more brightly, he was ultimately taken off late into the match.
🚨🗣️Leo Messi:
“I felt injured at the beginning of the game but I coped with it. It is not something serious and I hope to come back better.” pic.twitter.com/sI5DOWcSEZ
— PSG Chief (@psg_chief) November 22, 2023
Following the match, Messi discussed his probable injury in an interview. He said, “I felt injured at the beginning of the game but I coped with it.” He further assured that the injury wasn’t serious and he would hopefully return stronger. Currently, Lionel Messi doesn’t have any further matches left to play in 2023. Messi is expected to leave for his vacation and he would return to action for Inter Miami again in late January or February.