Overview

• During the 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw at Estadio Mâs Monumental, Messi confronted Rodriguez over his suggestion that referees had favoured Argentina in last year’s Copa America final.
• Broadcast cameras captured Messi telling Rodriguez “you said they helped us in the final” while the Colombian playmaker denied making such remarks.
• Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 70th minute for a high challenge on Kevin Castano, reducing Argentina to 10 men.
• Messi was substituted with 12 minutes remaining as Argentina rallied to secure an equaliser through Thiago Almada despite playing a man down.
• Post-match, both captains declined to discuss the exchange, with Rodriguez asserting that “what happens on the field stays on the field.”