Tactical genius Lionel Messi subs HIMSELF during Argentina clash – and sees decision immediately pay off
The
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Lionel Messi was substituted in the 78th minute
Credit: Getty
Messi started as Lionel Scaloni's men took on
The game reached a major flashpoint on 70 minutes, when
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Fernandez's tackle prompted a scuffle between the two teams, as Castano dramatically writhed around on the ground.
Amid the melee, Messi
Argentina's legendary No10 is said to have been unhappy about Rodriguez claiming that his side had gotten lucky with refereeing decisions during last year's Copa America final triumph.
Messi then appeared to get away with throwing an elbow towards
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Messi, 37, exchanged words with James Rpdriguez
Credit: X
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The Argentine No10 appeared to throw an elbow at Daniel Munoz
Credit: X
The former
But it proved to be an inspired choice, as his replacement Exequiel Palacios teed up
'Just traumatised him on live TV' - Lionel Messi in very tense conversation with James Rodriguez during Argentina clash
After the game, Scaloni explained the decision to take off Messi.
The Argentina boss said: "Leo wasn't going to come off, but he ended up coming off near the end.
"He told me it was better for him to come off, and so we decided to change him.
"The good thing we always showed, with 10 men and without Messi, is that we kept looking, not giving up on a ball. That makes us very satisfied."
Argentina are 10 points clear of second-placed
Messi and Co will conclude their qualifying campaign with matches against Venezuela and Ecuador in September.
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Lionel Scaloni took Messi off in the 78th kinute
Credit: AFP
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Thiago Almada equalised for Argentina
Credit: EPA
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