In a heated altercation during Inter Miami’s League Cup final defeat to the Seattle Sounders, Lionel Messi is accused of blackballing Pedro de la Vega from the Argentina national team.
- The greatest of all time endured heartbreak at the cup final.
- Clashed with fellow countryman in Seattle
- Removed the winger from international competition.
Pedro de la Vega was allegedly barred from the Argentina national team by Lionel Messi during a match between the Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami.
In the 2025 Leagues Cup final, MLS rivals squared off, and the Sounders prevailed with a decisive 3-0 win. During and after that match at Lumen Field, tensions erupted, with Luis Suarez making more regrettable headlines.
After Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup loss, Luis Suarez was filmed spitting in the face of Seattle Sounders security, and he could face another ban.
Sounders player De la Vega got into a heated argument with fellow countrymen Messi and Rodrigo De Paul during one in-game incident. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is alleged to have posed a significant international danger to the 24-year-old winger during the conversation.
Alan Gordon, an MLS veteran who used to play with David Beckham at the LA Galaxy, said on the Major League Journeymen podcast: “Messi told him – remember when they got into a little scuffle during the game.” You will never play for the national team as long as I am involved, Messi informed him bluntly. On the pitch, he essentially blackballed him. This actually occurred. I think that is disgusting.
Additionally!
Gordon said a trustworthy source provided him with that information. However, after winning the Leagues Cup MVP award, De la Vega tried to downplay the dispute by telling reporters: “Messi and [Rodrigo] De Paul? They are the best. They are my heroes and world champions. Just a part of the game was the clash. I made an effort to remain composed and not become upset. There is a distinct type of strain when you face them as an Argentine.
What’s Next?
De la Vega has prior U20 experience representing his nation. Whether he receives a senior call-up while Messi is playing is still up in the air, as the all-time great has hinted at retiring from international football following the 2026 World Cup.
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