Lionel Messi said: ‘Don’t touch me’: Cape Verde star Roberto Lopez reveals story behind viral ‘clash’

Lionel Messi He had a top touch in the FIFA World Cup. True to his greatness, Messi not only scored eight goals – the most by any player – but also inspired Argentina to great heights. While Messi and Argentina have been in goal scoring form, the journey has not been smooth sailing. Argentina extended to extra time against Cape Verde in the round of 32, while they escaped late against Egypt after falling 2-0 down in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals, Argentina will face Switzerland.

During Argentina’s round of 32 match against Cape Verde, which the senior team won 3-2, a photo went viral showing his first World Cup appearance. Roberto Lopez heads towards Messi. The Argentine star can be seen saying something to him.

Now, Lopez has revealed what Messi said during the conversation.

“Yes, it wasn’t really anything. I just saw it get in my eye and pushed it a little to make sure it was real. I had to touch it to make sure it was human. And he didn’t take that very kindly.” Roberto Lopez Ali A said Talk show.

“He said, ‘Lopez, this is wrong. There’s no ball here. Don’t touch me.’ I think he was trying to push me away. So I paid him without hesitation. And keep moving forward. Then the referee sounded his voice at the end of the first half, and I said to him: ‘Look, I just need to touch you because if you’re behind me, I’m in big trouble.’ We just shook hands and got on with it.”

Meanwhile, Brazil veteran Rivaldo Lionel Messi praised Argentina’s fighting spirit after the defending champions staged a remarkable comeback to beat Egypt in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

The 2002 World Cup winner took to Instagram after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 win and praised Messi’s leadership and the team’s determination to overturn a two-goal deficit.

“What determination, what will to win, what fight, what dedication from everyone! This is what fans expect to see on the pitch at a World Cup. Talking about @leomessi it’s clear. What a player he is! At 39 years old, playing in his sixth World Cup, he continues to show the same passion in an Argentina shirt: celebrating, fighting, crying and, once again, being decisive,” Rivaldo wrote.

Today’s featured video

Indian Premier League 2026 | Delhi Capitals win by 6 wickets against Mumbai Indians: Redemption for Samir Rizvi