Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez sees red for horror challenge and Lionel Messi clashes with James Rodrique

 

Argentina and Colombia played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in a heated World Cup qualifier marked by a red card, player clashes, and post-match tensions.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a straight red card in the second half for a dangerous challenge on Colombia’s Kevin Castano. Fernandez attempted to win a high ball but ended up planting his boot into Castano’s face. The Colombian midfielder had already headed the ball away when the contact occurred, sparking a heated reaction from players on both sides. Referee Juan Gabriel Benitez immediately sent Fernandez off, escalating the already intense atmosphere.

Argentina had been trailing from the first half after a brilliant goal from Colombia’s Luis Diaz. As emotions rose, Argentina captain Lionel Messi got into a verbal exchange with Colombian star James Rodriguez. According to Argentinian outlet TyC Sports, Messi confronted Rodriguez over previous comments suggesting Colombia were unfairly treated during their 2024 Copa America final loss. Messi reportedly told him, “You said they helped us in the final, you talk a lot,” to which Rodriguez replied, “I did not say anything.” Rodriguez declined to expand on the incident after the match.

Lionel Scaloni substituted Messi late in the game. His replacement, Exequiel Palacios, delivered an assist for Thiago Almada’s 81st-minute equalizer, salvaging a point for the world champions.

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After the final whistle, tensions continued. Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi clashed with Colombia’s Richard Rios, calling him a clown. Rios fired back, insulting Otamendi’s age and mobility. Otamendi had also confronted Jefferson Lerma during the match.

Both Messi and Otamendi blamed referee Benitez for letting the game spiral out of control. Messi accused him of sparking the chaos with poor decisions, and Otamendi claimed the officiating favored Colombia throughout the match.