Two stars of world football — Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez — had a serious dispute. The match between the Argentina and Colombia national teams in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers was intense and full of passion, resulting in a 1:1 draw.
Especially during the break that occurred in the second half, an unexpected problem arose between the players. While the game was briefly paused, Argentine star Lionel Messi approached the center of the field and openly expressed his dissatisfaction to Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez. According to Messi, James had made incorrect statements about the previous final, which upset him.
"You said we were helped in the final, you're talking too much," Messi firmly protested. In response, James Rodriguez said: "I didn’t say anything." Their subsequent conversation could not be clearly heard, as both players covered their mouths with their hands while talking. This situation became the center of attention and tension during the game.
After the match, James Rodriguez briefly commented to the press: "What happened on the field stays here. It’s part of professional football," he emphasized. Nevertheless, the football community continues to seek answers to the rumors and questions surrounding this incident.
It is worth noting that this dispute did not arise without reason. Rodriguez had previously spoken openly in team statements about Argentina being supported by refereeing in the final of the 2024 Copa America, the lack of penalties awarded to Colombia, and the non-disclosure of VAR recordings. "This situation is very strange, isn’t it?" James had said in one of his interviews.
Messi, however, remains principled regarding the situations on the field and continues to stand in defense of his position. Such disputes once again demonstrate that there is serious competition and passion in football.
As fans passionately discuss this situation, the relationship between Messi and James and how they will act in future matches is generating great interest. Clearly, this incident will remain at the center of discussions in South American football for a long time.
