Rodrygo deletes controversial WhatsApp message about Kylian Mbappe and other Real Madrid teammates

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has deleted a controversial WhatsApp message that referenced Kylian Mbappe and some of his other teammates.

Many people expect Real Madrid to make light work of La Liga this season, but Carlo Ancelotti's side began their title defence with a 1-1 draw away at Mallorca on Sunday.

Madrid's attacking quartet of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham threatened to obliterate their opponents in the first half, but the hosts fought back after half-time and were unfortunate not to win the game themselves.

Los Blancos lacked balance as the game wore on, with the defence looking increasingly exposed when Mallorca looked to hit them on the counter-attack.

Brazilian winger Rodrygo scored his side's goal in the first half, but it appears he wasn't happy with the spotlight falling on Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius instead.

According to The Athletic's Mario Cortegana, the 23-year-old was forced to delete a message he shared on his WhatsApp channel in which he argued that the team is more than his three superstar teammates.

"Hey guys, yesterday's result wasn't what we wanted. In La Liga, every point makes a difference in the end," Rodrygo wrote.

"I'm happy with the goal and the team's growth. Last week they talked about the trio Bellingham, Mbappe and Vini, but they're going to have to add the 'R' for Rodrygo to that acronym.

"We have the attacking quartet and the rest of the team, each one has their importance in the games and will show their worth in the various competitions we'll be competing in.

"It's going to be a busy week until the next match at the Bernabeu."

According to Cortegana, the message caused controversy and was deleted as a result.

Cortegana defended Rodrygo, writing on X: "I think it's right and I understand why he is claiming the team and especially himself after being left out of the trident; anyone would feel the same way."