Lionel Messi's 13-word response to an insult from a Real Madrid player during Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Brazil on Wednesday morning has reportedly been revealed.
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As fans from both South American sets of supporters clashed at the Maracana Stadium ahead of kick-off, the Albiceleste captain ordered his players to follow him down the tunnel to the dressing room after initially walking over to where the chaos had erupted.
Messi pleaded with match officials prior to leaving the field in an apparent attempt to get them to give the situation more attention, actions Los Blancos and Brazil forward Rodrygo Goes did not respond well to.
The 22-year-old, according to TyC Sports, called the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and his teammate Rodrigo De Paul "cowards" for delaying the start of the match, leaving the former Barcelona No. 10 seething.
Messi could then be seen having a heated discussion with Rodrygo, and what he said to his opponent has seemingly been revealed by the Argentina-based publication.
Approaching the Real player, the 36-year-old is believed to have said: "We are the world champions, why are we cowards? Look at your mouth."
The confrontation between the three stars was then de-escalated when more Brazil and Argentina players arrived on the scene after the Inter Miami man was seen wrapping his hand around the back of his rival's neck.
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A second-half header from Nicolas Otamendi sealed a 1-0 victory for the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions, who made history as they became the first nation to beat Brazil in Brazil in a World Cup qualifying encounter.
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