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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Fans clashed with police before the game</li><li>Players argued on the field</li><li>Albiceleste ran out winners on the day</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Rodrygo’s father takes aim at ‘little saint’ Lionel Messi following heated argument in chaotic 2026 World Cup qualifier between Brazil & Argentina at the Maracana

A chaotic contest at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro saw <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/points-deduction-brazil-2026-world-cup-fifa-investigation-maracana-argentina-lionel-messi/bltaf655aaeb6e06adf" target="_blank">rival fans clash in the stands, leading to local police forces stepping in</a>. World Cup winner Messi was disappointed at the level of force used by security staff and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/brawl-in-crowd-forces-delay-of-argentina-s-world-cup-qualifier-at-brazil-as-lionel-messi-leads-team-mates-into-dressing-room/blt947098ee482259d6" target="_blank">led his side off the pitch before a ball had been kicked</a> – leading to the match being delayed.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Inter Miami superstar Messi was also seen getting involved in a heated argument with Real Madrid forward Rodrygo at one stage, with the Brazilian reported to have accused Argentina of “acting like cowards”. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/watch-lionel-messi-rages-rodrygo-rodrigo-de-paul-heated-exchange-argentina-30-minute-delay-kick-off-brazil/blt86bd5669006bd3f1#cs2ef4e87d82904414" target="_blank">Messi is said to have responded</a> by saying: “We are the world champions, how are we cowards? Watch your mouth.”

WHAT RODRYGO & MESSI SAID

Rodrygo’s father has now responded to that altercation on Instagram, posting alongside images of Messi and Rodrigo De Paul confronting his son: “Is anyone surprised. The little saint who never causes trouble with anyone.”<picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltb24fafba61325586/Rodrygo_father_1.jpg?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltb24fafba61325586/Rodrygo_father_1.jpg?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltb24fafba61325586/Rodrygo_father_1.jpg?format=jpg" alt="Rodrygo father Lionel Messi" data-source="Instagram" data-copyright="Instagram" perform:prop="uuid:bltb24fafba61325586;width:531;height:829"></picture><picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt7c8ebda7899ea5c2/Rodrygo_father_2.jpg?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt7c8ebda7899ea5c2/Rodrygo_father_2.jpg?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt7c8ebda7899ea5c2/Rodrygo_father_2.jpg?format=jpg" alt="Rodrygo father Lionel Messi" data-source="Instagram" data-copyright="Instagram" perform:prop="uuid:blt7c8ebda7899ea5c2;width:476;height:828"></picture>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Argentina claimed a narrow 1-0 win over their arch-rivals courtesy of a solitary goal from Nicolas Otamendi, with Newcastle midfielder Joelinton seeing red for Brazil nine minutes from time. The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/2024-copa-america-power-rankings/blt2832f40029cd1a71" target="_blank">Albiceleste sit top of the CONMEBOL qualification table</a>, while Brazil – with just seven points taken from six games – languish in sixth.

WHAT NEXT?

Rodrygo’s father takes aim at ‘little saint’ Lionel Messi following heated argument in chaotic 2026 World Cup qualifier between Brazil & Argentina at the Maracana | Goal.com UK

Rodrygo’s father has taken aim at “little saint” Lionel Messi following a fiery 2026 World Cup qualification game between Brazil and Argentina.

Rodrygo’s father takes aim at ‘little saint’ Lionel Messi following heated argument in chaotic 2026 World Cup qualifier between Brazil &amp; Argentina at the Maracana

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