Rodrygo’s father calls out Lionel Messi after heated confrontation ahead of Brazil vs Argentina

Rodrygo’s father has aimed a sarcastic comment at Lionel Messi after the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was involved in a heated conversation with his son.

A second-half goal from Nicolas Otamendi was the difference-maker on Wednesday night as Argentina claimed a historic victory against Brazil in their World Cup qualifying match.

But the game was marred by crowd trouble ahead of kick-off, with the fixture being delayed by half an hour after rival fans and police clashed inside the famous Maracana.

Both sets of players attempted to calm the situation but after Emiliano Martinez pleaded with police to stop the violence, Lionel Messi led his players down the tunnel.

Eventually, both teams re-emerged from their dressing rooms before Brazil and Real Madrid forward Rodrygo aimed a dig at their opponents.

According to reports, the 22-year-old said: "You are acting like cowards, don't you want to play the game?"

Messi, who made his way over to Rodrygo with teammate Rodrigo De Paul, is said to have responded by saying: "We are the world champions, how are we cowards? Keep your mouth, watch your mouth."

Argentina would go on to secure all three points but one of the big talking points was Messi's heated clash with Rodrygo.

In fact, two days later, Rodrygo's father has taken to Instagram to call out the Inter Miami forward. He wrote: “Is anyone surprised. The saint that doesn’t mess with anyone.”

Rodrygo said he received racist messages after the full-time whistle on Wednesday night.

"Racists are always on duty. My social networks were invaded with insults and all sorts of nonsense," he wrote on Instagram.

"If we don't do what they want, if we don't behave as they think we should, if we wear something that annoys them, if we don't lower our heads when they attack us, if we occupy spaces they think are theirs alone, the racists will act out their criminal behaviour. Bad luck for them. We won't stop."

Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, who missed the game against Argentina through injury, backed his Real Madrid teammate, saying: "We will not stop."