'Always speaking through football!' - Lionel Messi congratulates Argentina team-mates on 'great match' against Brazil as injured captain appears to aim subtle dig at arch-rivals

The Inter Miami star did not join Argentina's latest camp for their March World Cup qualifiers due to injury, however, the national team captain did cheer for his colleagues from his home. After a thumping 4-1 win over arch-rivals Brazil on Tuesday, Messi took to social media to congratulate the world champions.

On his Instagram story, the 37-year-old uploaded a collage of photographs of the Argentina players celebrating and wrote in the caption: "Inside, outside, wherever it may be with this national team. Always speaking through football. Congratulations on the great match you played last night and also on the win against Uruguay."

IG:@leomessi

Messi's congratulatory message also appeared to carry a subtle dig at the Brazilian team. Barcelona star Raphinha had made an X-rated provocative statement to rile up Argentina before the game. The winger almost got involved in a physical altercation with a number of Argentina stars after the full-time whistle and was subjected to frequent taunts from the home fans.

Argentina are now qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but Messi has not yet confirmed whether he will play at the tournament in North America. His current focus in on regaining fitness to aid Inter Miami's latest bid for MLS Cup glory, with a clash against the Philadelphia Union up next for Javier Mascherano's side this weekend.