Messi and James: It’s been a year since the Copa America, Latin football’s top continental competition, ended. However, the two main stars of champion Argentina and runner-up Colombia suddenly got into a controversy over the 2024 edition. The two Copa finalists faced off in a World Cup qualifier match early this morning (Wednesday). There, Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez got into a heated argument over the tournament.
Argentina drew 1-1 with Colombia at home at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina’s draw with 10 men, with Enzo Fernandez shown a red card, is a matter of dignity. The hosts went behind in the 24th minute with a solo goal from Luis Diaz. It took them 80 minutes to get back into the game. Thiego Almada took the shot that bit the ground outside the D-box.
Argentine media outlet TYC Sports reported that Colombian star midfielder James Rodriguez recently made negative comments about the Copa America final. At that time, he said – ‘We had a great season in the Copa America. Of course we wanted the title, but in my opinion we couldn’t win for different reasons. The referee gave Argentina a favor. He didn’t give us the penalty we deserved. In my opinion, that’s for sure (penalty).’
Messi is said to have questioned James’ off-field comments. According to TYC, Messi told the Colombian star, “You said they (the referees) helped us in the final. You talk too much.” James replied, “I didn’t say anything.” Later, when the media asked the Argentine captain about the matter after today’s match, he tried to avoid it, saying, “What happened on the field, let it stay on the field.”
Meanwhile, today’s Colombia-Argentina match has repeatedly created heated situations. That tension was also present at the end of the match. When the footballers of the two teams left the field shaking hands, arguments were seen again between the two sides. Colombian Richard Rios got into an argument with Argentine Ezequiel Palacios and Nicolas Otamendi. However, Messi blamed the referee for the incident. Pointing his finger at Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benitez, he said, “This situation has arisen because of your decision.”
Captain Messi was in the Argentina XI from the start of the day. Later, in the 77th minute, coach Lionel Scaloni took him off. However, his team was still behind in the game. After four minutes, Argentina got the adorable goal. Argentina has already secured their place in the World Cup. The qualifying matches for the current champions are now an opportunity for their future plans. Argentina has suffered a major setback in that plan.
