Argentina and Colombia squared off in a tense showdown in Buenos Aires on Matchday 16 of the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, ending in a 1–1 draw. Following the ultimate whistle, tempers flared between Nicolas Otamendi and Richard Rios—and Lionel Messi sharply criticized the referee.
Tensions had been already excessive earlier than kickoff, particularly after James Rodríguez urged that Argentina had benefited from officiating choices through the 2024 Copa América. The match featured a number of laborious fouls, and Enzo Fernández was despatched off after a reckless kick to Kevin Castaño’s head.
On the last whistle, Otamendi and Ríos—who had clashed earlier within the first half—discovered themselves in one other heated change. The Argentine defender reportedly mocked Ríos’ look, shouting, “Take off that headband, clown.” Ríos fired again with a private jab: “You’re previous… you’ll be able to’t even run anymore,” the Colombia midfielder retorted.
The altercation rapidly drew gamers from each groups right into a post-match melee. Argentina’s squad felt the referee, Juan Gabriel Benitez, had failed to regulate the match, permitting tensions to boil over all through the night time.
What did Messi say?
Messi, visibly pissed off, additionally took subject with Benítez’s efficiency. Whereas he stayed away from the on-field confrontation, he approached the referee instantly after the sport and accused him of igniting the battle with poor officiating.
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“That is your fault! You’re the one who triggered all this, you’re the one who triggered all this, with the selections you made. You’re the one who sparked every part that occurred,” Messi mentioned to referee Benitez on his face.
The scene captured by the cameras on the sphere underscored the widespread frustration amongst Argentina’s gamers—not simply with the outcome, however with how the match was officiated. In an interview with TyC Sports activities after the match, Otamendi echoed Messi’s remarks, opting to not touch upon his spat with Ríos:
“It changed into a tough recreation that labored towards us as a result of with each 50-50 ball, each problem, the referee at all times blew the whistle for them. What we have to do is play soccer, present on the pitch what sort of group we’re, and maintain constructing.”
