What Lionel Messi said to James Rodriguez in heated World Cup qualifier that left the Colombia star visibly stunned

Details of the shock comment that Lionel Messi made to James Rodriguez during their World Cup qualifier clash have been revealed.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, World Cup holders Argentina faced off against Colombia at the Estadio Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires in a qualifying match for the 2026 tournament.

A spectacular goal from Liverpool star Luis Diaz put the visitors in front early in the match, before Thiago Almada found an equaliser in the 81st minute, finishing the game as a 1-1 draw.

Shortly before Argentina's equaliser, Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card for a challenge on Colombian midfielder Kevin Castano.

However, neither the goals nor Fernandez being sent off attracted the most attention from the match, as fans noticed Messi clashing with Rodriguez, and now we know exactly what was said.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown red after a high kick to an Kevin Castano's head. (Image: Getty)

As Castano was receiving treatment for the high boot from Fernandez, Messi approached former Real Madrid star Rodriguez and the pair began speaking with hands over their mouths.

But eagle-eyed experts from Argentina broadcaster TyC Sports, figured out exactly what started the exchange, as Messi reminded his rival: "You said that they helped us in the Copa America final, you talk too much."

The comment from the Barcelona legend came after Rodriguez spoke out following the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia in Florida last July.

An extra-time winner from Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez secured a 1-0 victory for Argentina, but it's safe to say that Rodriguez wasn't happy with how the match had been officiated by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus.

Speaking on the Los Amigos de Edu programme, the midfielder claimed: "We had an excellent Copa America. Obviously, we wanted the title, but we didn’t win the Copa America because of external things, I think.

“The referee favoured Argentina. He didn’t give us penalties. For me a clear one."

Lionel messi clearly wasn't happy with James Rodriguez during the match. (Image: Getty)

And it seems that Messi still hasn't forgiven Rodriguez, nor was was he happy with referee Juan Gabriel Benitez's decision to send teammate Fernandez off during the match.

After the full-time whistle, a report from World Soccer Talk claims that the Argentine blamed the match official for igniting the tensions seen throughout the game, saying: “This is your fault!

"You’re the one who caused all this, you’re the one who caused all this, with the decisions you made. You’re the one who sparked everything that happened.”