During Argentina’s intense World Cup qualifier against Colombia at the Estadio Mas Monumental, a leaked video clip capturing a heated confrontation between Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez has set social media ablaze. The Inter Miami superstar was seen engaging in a fiery war of words with the former Real Madrid midfielder, reportedly sparked by Rodriguez’s earlier comments about the 2024 Copa America final.
In that final, Argentina clinched a 1-0 victory over Colombia after extra time, with Lautaro Martinez’s 112th-minute goal securing La Albiceleste’s third consecutive major tournament triumph. However, Rodriguez had stirred controversy in March by claiming, “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.”
🔥🗣 “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
According to TyC Sports, Messi, the Argentina captain, took issue with these remarks and confronted Rodriguez during the qualifier. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly said, “You said they helped us in the final. You talk a lot.” Rodriguez responded, denying the accusation, with, “I didn’t say anything.”
When questioned about the exchange post-match, Messi remained tight-lipped, stating, “What stays on the field, stays on the field,” leaving fans and pundits speculating about the intensity of the moment.
The match itself was a thrilling affair, with Argentina salvaging a draw despite being reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal. Thiago Almada’s stunning 81st-minute strike canceled out an early moment of brilliance from Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, who had given Colombia the lead with a breathtaking individual goal, weaving through Argentina’s defense before finishing with finesse.
The leaked clip of Messi and Rodriguez’s confrontation has since gone viral, igniting debates across social media platforms about the lingering tensions from the Copa America final and the passion of South American football rivalrie