Tensions really overflowed
Lionel Messi exchanged a strong choice of words with Brazil star Rodrygo after the Real Madrid man accused the Argentina side of being “cowards”.
Rodrygo called Rodrigo De Paul and Messi “cowards” as the pair went to the dressing room before Argentina’s 1-0 win against Brazil.
Tensions boiled over in the crowd as fans from both sides clashed in the Maracana, leading to Brazilian police officers entering the Argentina end and wielded batons.
Emiliano Martinez jumped into the crowd to push away a police baton before he was restrained by his teammates who then all went back to their dressing room.
Kick off was delayed by 30 minutes.
Footage captured the moment Rodrygo confronted Messi and De Paul and the Inter Miami star had a brutal put down for the youngster.
According to TyC Sports, he said: “We are the world champions, why are we cowards? Look at your mouth.”
💥 La tensión se puede palpar también en el terreno de juego
— MARCA (@marca) November 22, 2023
Messi y Rodrygo tuvieron sus más y sus menos… pic.twitter.com/XhQ4IkMs3w #EliminatoriasSudamericanas
Nicolas Otamendi’s second half goal was the difference between the two sides and after the game, Messi launched a scathing attack against the police.
He said: “We saw how [police] were hitting the people, it already happened in the Libertadores final,” referring to the clashes that took place at the Maracana before Fluminense’s win over Boca Juniors
‘They were more focused on that than on the game.”
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