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Brazilian star Rodrygo and Enzo Fernandez of Argentina in action during their Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifier at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 21 November 2023.
Antonio Lacerda / EPA
Brazil forward Rodrygo says he was racially abused on social media following a heated argument with Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
The pair exchanged words on the pitch as a World Cup qualifier between the sides in Rio de Janeiro was delayed by 30 minutes because of violent clashes between police and visiting fans.
Rodyrgo said he had received messages with emojis of monkeys and bananas.
The 22-year-old wrote on Instagram:
My social networks were invaded with insults. If we don’t do what they want, if we don’t behave as they think we should, if we wear something that annoys them, if we don’t lower our heads when they attack us, if we occupy spaces they think are theirs alone, the racists will act out their criminal behaviour. Racists are always on duty. Bad luck to them. We won’t stop.
Messi was seen interacting with Brazil captain Marquinhos and Rodrygo before several Argentina players tried to calm the developing situation in the stands at Maracana Stadium.
After a lengthy delay, the World Cup qualifier went ahead, with Argentina winning 1-0.
