Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez sees red for horror challenge and Lionel Messi clashes with James Rodriquez - as Argentina and Colombia stars trade insults in World Cup qualifier
Share this @internewscast.com

Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez was shown a straight red card as tempers boiled over during a 1-1 draw between Argentina and Colombia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

World champions Argentina trailed to a stunning Luis Diaz strike in the first half of the match at the Estadio Monumental.

As Lionel Scaloni’s side attempted to get back into the match in the second half, Fernandez was shown his marching orders following a horror challenge on Kevin Castano.

As Castano dropped to the pitch following the challenge, players from both sides raced to the incident.

Fernandez was ultimately dismissed for the challenge by referee Juan Gabriel Benitez, with the incident leading to tensions rising even further.

Enzo Fernandez was sent off following a high challenge on Colombia's Kevin Castano

Enzo Fernandez was sent off following a high challenge on Colombia’s Kevin Castano

Castano went to ground following the challenge as Fernandez raised his arm in apology

Castano went to ground following the challenge as Fernandez raised his arm in apology

The Argentina star was sent off by the referee while players from both teams clashed

The Argentina star was sent off by the referee while players from both teams clashed

Argentina captain Lionel Messi was caught in a heated exchange with Colombian star James Rodriquez in the aftermath of the incident.

TyC Sports, an Argentinian outlet, reported that Messi had confronted Rodriquez over comments he made about the 2024 Copa America final.

Rodriquez last month claimed Colombia had lost the final to Argentine due to ‘external factors’, adding that the referee had not given them ‘one or two penalties’ in the showpiece.

‘You said they helped us in the final, you talk a lot,’ Messi reportedly told Rodriquez on the pitch, leading to the Colombian replying ‘I didn’t say anything.’

Rodriquez declined to comment further on the incident post-match, stating ‘What stays on the field, stays on the field.’

Messi was ultimately brought off in the closing stages of the match, with his replacement Exequiel Palacios setting up a 81st minute equaliser by Thiago Almada.

Tensions continued after the match finished in a 1-1 draw, with veteran Argentina centre back Nicolas Otamendi involved in a spat with Richard Rios.

Otamendi reportedly approached the Colombian midfielder and said ‘Take off your headband, you clown’, according to TyC Sports. 

Lionel Messi was involved in a heated exchange with Colombian star James Rodriquez

Lionel Messi was involved in a heated exchange with Colombian star James Rodriquez

The Colombian captain appeared shocked following the exchange with Messi

The Colombian captain appeared shocked following the exchange with Messi

Messi had blamed referee Juan Benitez for the heated nature of the World Cup qualifier

Messi had blamed referee Juan Benitez for the heated nature of the World Cup qualifier

Rios was reported to have responded ‘You’re old. Shut the f*** up, idiot. You’re old, you can’t even run’ to the 37-year-old.

Otamendi had also been involved in a confrontation with midfielder Jefferson Lerma during the match.

Both Messi and Otamendi blamed referee Benitez for the heated nature of the match.

Footage showed Messi approaching the official after the final whistle and declaring ‘This is your fault You’re the one who caused all this, you’re the one who caused all this, with the decisions you made.’

‘You’re the one who sparked everything that happened.’

Otamendi echoed Messi’s comments to Argentinian television, claiming the referee had ‘called everything for them’.

‘Something similar happened to us with Brazil, they spoke before the match, and where we feel most comfortable is on the pitch, where we show the team we are and the hierarchy we have,’ Otamendi said.

‘It created a tough game that affected us because in every divided, every dispute, the referee called everything for them.

Nicolas Otamendi, right, was involved in a confrontation with Colombia's Richard Rios

Nicolas Otamendi, right, was involved in a confrontation with Colombia’s Richard Rios

Otamendi reportedly labelled Rios 'a clown' while the Colombian declared his rival was 'old'

Otamendi reportedly labelled Rios ‘a clown’ while the Colombian declared his rival was ‘old’

The veteran Argentina defender had also clashed with Jefferson Lerma during the qualifier

The veteran Argentina defender had also clashed with Jefferson Lerma during the qualifier 

Luis Diaz had opened the scoring for Colombian with a solo effort in the first half of the match

Luis Diaz had opened the scoring for Colombian with a solo effort in the first half of the match

Thiago Almada levelled for Argentina in the closing stages despite being reduced to 10-men

Thiago Almada levelled for Argentina in the closing stages despite being reduced to 10-men

‘What we have to do is play football, show on the field the team we are and keep adding. 

‘There are many young people who are taking advantage of the opportunities and that is the Argentine national team.’

Argentina have already sealed their place at next year’s World Cup with the holders 10 points clear at the top of South American qualifying.

Colombia remain sixth in the standings, the last automatic berth, but have a four point lead over Venezuela with two rounds of fixtures remaining. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Behind the Scenes at Chelsea: The Historic Joao Pedro Deal, Levi Colwill’s Welcome Message, and the Enigma of Raheem Sterling

Chelsea’s acquisition of Joao Pedro will result in the Brazilian becoming Watford’s…

Heartache for Unlucky Rabbitohs Player Faces Major Setback Upon Injury Recovery—Here’s Why Fans Are Fuming

Brandon Smith’s much-anticipated comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament tear ended in…

Brighton Acquires Viral Belgian Left-Back After Champions League Success

Brighton have completed the signing of Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge.…

Club World Cup: Battling Extreme Heat with Sniffer Dogs in Crocs for Paw Protection

Last week, Chelsea and Flamengo clashed at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia…

INSIDE RANGERS: Despite the Ibrox board’s possible connections to Leeds, don’t expect any friendly discussions between their rival managers!

With the 49ers Enterprises on board at both clubs, there will naturally…

Kyle Walker bids an emotional farewell to Man City, expressing his gratitude despite feeling sidelined by the team. He departs to join Burnley in a surprising £5m move.

Kyle Walker has paid tribute to Manchester City after completing a £5m…

‘Alisha Lehmann, Dubbed the ‘World’s Sexiest Footballer,’ Unveils Stylish New Look as Euro 2025 Begins’

Alisha Lehmann has sported a new bespectacaled look as she prepares for the…

Lamine Yamal Joins Neymar for a Casual Game of Street Soccer During Brazil Visit

As Barcelona isn’t participating in the 2025 Club World Cup, their players…

Ex-Championship Manager Finds New Role at Airport After Dismissal

In February 2025, Luke Williams was sacked as Swansea City manager after…

Man United Make Historic Shirt Number Decision for 14-Year-Old Talent ‘Kid Messi’ Amid Interest from Top European Clubs

Manchester United have reportedly handed wonderkid JJ Gabriel a unique squad number. …

Ellie Carpenter, Matildas Star, Faces WSL Competition From Her New Wife Weeks After Beautiful French Wedding

Matildas star Ellie Carpenter has signed for Chelsea on a four-year deal.…