Brazil’s Rodrigo racially abused on social media over Messi argument

The Brazilian striker, Rodrygo, disclosed on Thursday night that he had been the victim of racist messages on social media after he ended up in an argument with Argentina captain Lionel Messi during the team’s World Cup qualifier match on Tuesday.

Brazil’s defeat to Argentina in the Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifier match in Rio de Janeiro was already a disappointment for the five-time world champions, Sportstar reported.

However, it was further marred by violence when police clashed with visiting fans at the Maracana stadium, causing a 30-minute delay in the match proceedings.

Messi, who accused local police of brutality, was seen conversing with Brazil captain Marquinhos and exchanging heated words with Rodrygo, who revealed that he had received numerous messages with monkey and banana emojis.

“Racists are always on duty. My social networks were invaded with insults and all sorts of nonsense,” Rodrygo made the revelation on his Instagram.

“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,” he added.

“Bad luck for them. We won’t stop.”

Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, who was unable to participate in the Argentina game due to injury, supported his teammate.

“We will not stop,” he wrote on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter.