Lionel Messi is set to hang up his Argentina jersey after the appointed referee blows the final whistle on the friendly against Benin. The South Americans hope the match stretches into eternity, while the football world prepares to bid farewell to the sport’s greatest player.
Messi has featured in three World Cup finals across four consecutive tournaments, a feat few nations have matched, and he has always been the centerpiece. With a ‘Finalissima’ trophy, an Olympic gold, a U‑20 World Cup and a senior World Cup already in his cabinet, the Argentine also boasts two Copa América titles; Colombia emerged as a key figure in the latest edition of the tournament.
In 2024 the United States hosted the competition as a rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina arrived as heavy favourite, defending champions and reigning world champions, and their FIFA ranking spared them long travel between matches.
Colombia entered with a solid squad that missed Qatar but posted respectable qualifying results, sparking hopes of becoming a tournament catalyst. The La Albiceleste faced Canada, Chile and Peru in its group, while Colombia battled Paraguay, Brazil and Costa Rica.
Both sides topped their groups and navigated the knockout rounds to meet in the grand final at Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock Stadium. Colombia mustered 17 chances, converting four; the champions fired eight attempts, five on target.
The tricolor enjoyed greater possession, committed more fouls and earned more corners, yet in the 112th minute Lautaro Martínez clinched victory and the trophy for Argentina. They lifted their latest title, but the Colombian camp remained vocal. In my view, the officiating debacle eclipsed the quality of play.
James Rodríguez slammed the officiating in the 2024 Copa América final
In a 2025 interview with Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre, the former Colombian captain not only dissected the loss but also blamed the referee and ‘external factors’ for the outcome. He recalled the final being delayed by hours after fans tried to breach the stadium.
Recalling that chat, Rodríguez said, “We delivered an excellent Copa América; personally it was spectacular. Of course we wanted the crown, we came close, but external issues kept us from winning.” He also slammed the officiating, claiming it “had a huge impact” by not awarding “one or two penalties.” Moreover, he attacked the VAR, noting, “Strangely, every other match has VAR audio, but the final didn’t…odd, curious.”
He added that Colombia’s travel schedule was grueling compared with Argentina’s smoother itinerary, and listed the opponents each side overcame on the road to the final.
It turned into a nightmarish evening for Colombia when the federation’s president was briefly detained over incidents inside the Miami venue.
The comments rippled across the continent, reaching Messi himself, who waited backstage to confront James Rodríguez in the stadium.
The day Messi confronted James over his comments after the Copa América final. Will future tournaments see stricter referee oversight to prevent such disputes?
Messi has shown similar flare before; after Brazil’s 2019 Copa América win, he was sent off in the semifinal against Chile following a brief clash with Gary Medel. His televised tirade against officials earned a suspension and added fuel to an already heated national team saga.
The climax unfolded at Buenos Aires’ Monumental stadium during the 16th qualifying round for the United States. The match ended level, but in the 72nd minute the referee awarded a midfield foul, drawing both playmakers together.
Messi stormed toward James, who was still trailing in the scoreline, and lashed out, accusing the Colombian of false claims. James denied the remarks, and the Argentine replied, “You said they helped us in the final, you talk a lot,” Argentine media reported.
James declined to elaborate on the post‑match locker‑room exchange, insisting, “What happens on the field stays on the field.” With both now retired from their national sides, they will be remembered as the finest to ever wear their colors.