James Rodríguez Sparks Controversy Ahead of Argentina vs. Colombia Match

Buenos Aires, Argentina — As anticipation builds for the upcoming World Cup qualifying match between Argentina and Colombia on June 10, James Rodríguez has reignited debates regarding his team’s performance in the 2024 Copa América final.

While speaking on the program ‘Los amigos de Edu’ hosted by journalist Edu Aguirre, Rodríguez remarked on factors he believes jeopardized Colombia’s chances for victory, saying, “We had an excellent Copa América, personally, it was spectacular. We were close, but external factors hindered our chance to be champions.”

Rodríguez specifically criticized the officiating by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, claiming, “The referee influenced the game a lot. We should have been awarded one or two penalties; for me, one was clear. These are not excuses for our discussion, but certain things affected us.” His comments, however, did not sit well with many in Argentina, sparking backlash from journalists and fans alike.

Among the critics, Argentine journalist Martín Liberman responded on social media saying, “I do not agree at all with James. Colombia was the best in the tournament until the final. They were not at the same level in the final, and I do not believe that the referee was decisive. What do you think?”

The match holds significant weight as it revives memories of historical encounters, notably the infamous 5-0 defeat Argentina faced against Colombia in 1993. As fans eagerly await the clash, Rodríguez’s words have added tension to an already charged atmosphere.

In related news, Jorge Luis Pinto suggested in an interview that removing Rodríguez from the lineup could benefit Colombia’s dynamics against a strong Argentine side. Pinto stated that not including the star player might help balance the team’s performance on the field.

The excitement continues to build as both teams prepare for battle at El Monumental, with each side striving for a critical victory in the race for World Cup qualification.