Messi (red armband) headed towards the Venezuela team at half time
Argentina’s clash with Venezuela on Thursday, September 4, 2025, for Matchday 17 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers was always going to be more than just a football match.
For Lionel Messi, it was his final official game on Argentine soil, a night meant to celebrate his legacy. But what was designed as a farewell tribute turned into a tense encounter, both on and off the pitch.
The drama unfolded at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina had taken a slender first-half lead, courtesy of a trademark Messi strike. As referee Piero Maza blew for halftime, emotions were already running high.
In the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms, Messi crossed paths with Venezuela’s captain, Tomas Rincon. The Barcelona legend, still simmering from an earlier challenge, confronted the veteran midfielder.
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Videos show Messi gave Rincon a slight shove as the two exchanged words, sparking a brief moment of chaos.
Players and officials rushed in to separate the pair. Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon quickly intervened, calming his captain and diffusing the tension before it could escalate.
Match officials, including fourth official Jose Cabrero and assistant referee Claudio Urrutia, soon stepped in to restore order.
Watch the video below:
Lionel, yendo a buscar a Tomás Rincón, capitán de Venezuela, en el túnel del Monumental, escoltado por RDP, Paredes y Cuti… 🧨🇦🇷
pic.twitter.com/OCyFOJI2uR— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) September 5, 2025
FKA/AE
Meanwhile, watch the reactions of Ghanaians after Ghana’s 1-1 draw against Chad in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
