LIONEL MESSI and James Rodriguez engaged in a heated war of words during Argentina’s battle with Colombia last night.
The Argentine superstar, 37, returned to international action despite his country having already comfortably qualified for next year’s World Cup.
Lionel Messi exchanged words with James Rodriguez[/caption]
The veterans covered their mouths as they debated[/caption]
Lionel Scaloni’s reigning world champions fell behind in the first half, courtesy of Luis Diaz‘s brilliant solo goal.
The match became heated in the second period, with a series of flashpoints occurring in the final 20 minutes.
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez was sent off on 70 minutes for a high challenge on Kevin Castano.
The horror kick left Castano bleeding from his head.
In the aftermath of the incident, Messi engaged in a war of words with long-time rival James Rodriguez.
Having battled for several years while playing for their countries, they were also on opposite sides of the El Clasico Real Madrid-Barcelona divide.
The pair tried to cover their mouths during the conversation, although Argentine outlet TyC Sports claim to have made out some of their words.
They claim that Rodriguez, 33, responded to Messi’s initial comment by asking: “But why?”
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The outlet then alleges that Messi said: “Yes, yes. You said we were helped in the final.
“You talk a lot…”
Messi is believed to have been referring to Argentina‘s 1-0 victory over Colombia in last year’s Copa America final.
Back in March, Rodriguez reflected on the match: “Due to external factors, I think we couldn’t have been champions.
“The referee had a big influence and didn’t award us one or two penalties.”
The former Everton and Real Madrid star, who now plays for Club Leon in Mexico, refused to be drawn on his exchange with Messi after last night’s match.
Asked about the subject, the attacking midfielder said: “What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.”
Reflecting on the incident, one fan joked on social media: “Forget the Enzo red card. Messi just traumatized James Rodriguez on live television with his words.”
While a second wrote: “Yeah… he said some harsh words to James and it pains me cause James seems like a genuinely nice guy.”
Shortly after his exchange with Rodriguez, Messi was surprisingly substituted, despite 10-man Argentina needing a goal.
The move proved to be an inspired one, as his replacement Exequiel Palacios set up Thiago Almada’s equaliser just a few minutes later.
After the 1-1 draw, boss Scaloni revealed: “Leo wasn’t going to come off, but he ended up coming off near the end.
“He told me it was better for him to come off, and so we decided to change him.
“The good thing we always showed, with 10 men and without Messi, is that we kept looking, not giving up on a ball. That makes us very satisfied.”
Just prior to going off, Messi had been involved in an altercation with Daniel Munoz.
The former Barcelona star appeared to throw an elbow at the Crystal Palace man.
Messi appeared to throw an elbow at Palace star Daniel Munoz[/caption]
