Lionel Messi’s reputation as a “good boy” has faced scrutiny following a heated altercation during the intense World Cup Qualifier between Brazil and Argentina.
The highly anticipated 2026 World Cup qualifier unravelled into chaos moments before kickoff due to significant crowd disturbances.
Amidst the turmoil, tensions boiled over on the pitch, leading to an altercation between Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul against Brazil’s Rodrygo Goes, further complicating the already tumultuous situation
Messi, De Paul clash with Rodrygo
The trio seemed engaged in a heated verbal exchange, where reports suggested Rodrygo labelled Messi and his teammates as “cowards.”
This seemingly provoked a strong reaction from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who responded assertively while appearing to grasp the neck of the Real Madrid winger.
As reported by TyC Sports (via Roy Nemer), here’s a glimpse of the conversation that took place between these notable players:
Rodrygo to Lionel Messi: “You cowards.”
Lionel Messi: “We are the world champions. Why are we cowards? Watch at your mouth.”
Fans criticize Messi
After the altercation involving Messi, De Paul and Rodrygo, fans singled out the Inter Miami superstar for criticism:
@thereceiptboy cheekily wrote:
“The good guy, they say.”
@FunnyFootyB, on the other hand, suggested Messi gets privileges other players don’t receive:
“He does what he wants because he knows he can get away with it.”
@floatatlantic7 applauded Rodrygo for staying calm in his heated exchange with Messi:
“Man Rodrygo is a gentleman. It’s sad.”
@CDenciu chided Messi with a Ronaldo jab:
“He will never have the respect that Cristiano gets from youngsters.”
Messi’s Argentina pip Brazil at home
Sports Brief also reported that Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday in an ill-tempered 2026 World Cup qualifying clash marred by pre-match crowd trouble that forced kick-off to be delayed
A 63rd-minute header from veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi secured victory for Argentina as the world champions bounced back from last week’s defeat to Uruguay to beat their bitter South American rivals