Real Madrid striker Rodrygo has revealed details of his clash with Lionel Messi in the 2026 World Cup qualifier . The pair appeared to exchange heated words during the tense clash between Argentina and Brazil.

The two South American countries have a clear rivalry and matches between them often become tense and heated. One such incident involved Rodrygo and the legendary Messi last year.

Messi had a fierce conflict with Rodrygo right on the field (Photo/source: TyCSports).

Speaking in an interview with Brazilian publication Placar, Rodrygo revealed details of his clash with Messi. The Real Madrid star mentioned that as tensions increased throughout the match, they called each other names and spoke ill of each other.

“Everyone saw what happened there, what one said to the other. They wanted to leave the pitch and we went to confront them. At some point in the game, a fight was bound to happen and we ended up insulting each other, starting to talk trash to each other,” said the striker born in 2000.

Rodrygo said he and Messi insulted each other (Photo/source: Getty).

Rodrygo and Messi could face off again at the 2024 Copa America, as both Brazil and Argentina attempt to lift the continental trophy in the United States.

Rodrygo enters the Copa America on the back of a superb season which saw him win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. He scored 17 goals and provided nine assists in 51 games across all competitions.

While Messi, who looks set to play his final Copa America of a glittering career, has been in fine form, the Inter Miami captain has 14 goals and 11 assists in 15 games across all competitions this season.