Lionel Messi attacked on Instagram by Rodrygo's father after clash with Real Madrid star

Real Madrid youngster Rodrygo Goes has had his father stand up for him in his ongoing squabble with Argentine legend Lionel Messi following an altercation during a recent World Cup qualifying match.

During a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina, the Albiceleste became the first team to defeat the Selecao at home in a World Cup qualifier since 1954.

The match was marked by violence on and off the pitch as Argentine fans were beaten by Brazilian police in the Maracana stadium, forcing the Albiceleste, led by captain Lionel Messi, to briefly abandon the match.

When the game resumed, it turned out to be a fierce affair, with 42 fouls between both sides, three yellow cards, and a red card for the hosts, Brazil, who committed 26 fouls against Argentina.

As Argentina emerged from the dressing rooms following their staged walkout to protest the brutality that their fans faced, the team’s captain was accosted by Real Madrid’s Brazilian youngster Rodrygo, who allegedly antagonised the Albicelsete for leaving the pitch.

According to multiple reports, Rodrygo accused the Argentine players of being cowards for leaving the pitch in protest at the treatment that their fans received, with Messi retaliating by telling the youngster to shut his mouth.

Following the incident during the heated World Cup qualifier, Rodrygo revealed that he had suffered racial abuse by fans of the Argentine national team, who took to social media to hurl insults at the Real Madrid star.

Rodrygo released a statement saying that he would not back down in the face of the abuse he suffered and received support from several quarters.

Following the statement by the Real Madrid youngster, an account believed to belong to his father shared a post on Instagram disparaging Messi for his role in the incident involving his son.

The Brazil international’s father reportedly shared images of Messi arguing with his son as well as Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte with the captions, “Is anyone surprised?” and “The Saint that doesn’t mess with anyone,” ironically referring to Messi.