MOSCOW, Nov 22 Argentina national football team captain Lionel Messi grabbed Brazilian striker Rodrigo by the neck before the start of the team's match in the group stage of the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup.
The meeting at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro ended with a victory for the Argentines with a score of 1:0. The start of the match was delayed by half an hour due to clashes between fans and police, who used batons. The conflict began after Brazilian fans booed the Argentine anthem. As the brawl progressed, fans threw seats. As a result of the incident, many fans were arrested, some were hospitalized. By order of Messi, the Argentine players went to the locker room and then returned to the field after resolving the conflict in the stands.
After returning to the field, Messi, together with national teammate Rodrigo de Paul, approached Rodrigo. According to TyC Sports, the Real Madrid player called the Argentines cowards. In response, Messi grabbed Rodrigo by the neck and said: “We are world champions, what kind of cowards are we? Watch your language.”
After six rounds, the Argentina national team maintains its leadership in the standings, gaining 15 points. The Brazilian team is in sixth position with 7 points.