Lionel Messi drops blunt response to Brazil star’s “cowards” remark during chaotic Maracana clash

Yesterday saw one of the most heated clashes in world soccer, with Brazil hosting Argentina at their home ground in Maracana, Rio de Janeiro. The result was a historic one, with Argentina winning 1-0, and it was the first time Brazil lost at home in their history of World Cup Qualifier matches.

But there were also other incidents in the match that overshadowed the game. The game was delayed due to chaos in the fans’ stands. Police were seen hitting Argentine fans with batons, which became a very terrible situation. This has led to much backlash towards the authorities.

Lionel Messi responds to Rodrygo’s accusations

The situation became so bad that the Argentine players’ tried to intervene in it. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez even tried to stop one of the police officers directly. Captain Lionel Messi then decided that in order to calm things down, they won’t start the match and went into the dressing room.

After it eventually got resolved, the Argentines marched back onto the pitch, with the match having been delayed. And before the kickoff was due to start, Brazilian and Real Madrid winger Rodrygo seemed to have an issue with them.

The 22 year old was seen having words with Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi. They had a very heated conversation which ended when other teammates stepped in.

According to TyC Sports, Rodrygo called the pair of them ‘cowards’ for heading back to the dressing room. But Messi didn’t hold back and brutally replied, “We are the world champions, why are we cowards? Look at your mouth.”

Messi even showed his frustrations on social media, writing after the game, “Tonight we made history but it’s important to say that it’ll be marked by the repression of Brazilians against Argentinians once again. It can’t be accepted. It’s madness. It has to stop immediately.”

Nicolas Otamendi silences the Maracana as Argentina piles on rivals’ misery

Argentina did not let the attack on their fans go without retribution, instead replying on the pitch. The Albicelestes won the game 1-0, with the lone goal scored by Nicolas Otamendi in the 63rd minute through a brilliant header.

The win was the second time Brazil lost to their bitter rivals at their home ground, the first time being in the 2021 Copa America final. After the game, the Argentina fans were seen chanting, with the players also joining in.

Argentina are currently leading the qualifier group for the 2026 World Cup with 15 points. Meanwhile Brazil are having a tough time, with just 7 points and at 6th position. With the international break over, the players including Lionel Messi will return to club duty.