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Argentina refuses to speak to media following rumor about Ezequiel Lavezzi smoking marijuana

Also, Lionel Messi’s sister is fighting with a reporter.

Pedro Vilela/Getty Images

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Argentinians were pretty upset about their national team’s poor performance against Brazil on Thursday. One radio reporter was apparently upset enough to claim Ezequiel Lavezzi smoked weed after a training session, which he denies. Another reporter is involved in a spat with Lionel Messi’s sister. So after Argentina’s win over Colombia, Messi grabbed a microphone, backed by all of his teammates, and told the press that the team would not be speaking to them anymore.

“We’ve received many accusations, a lot of lack of respect and we never said anything,” Messi told assembled media. “We know there are lots of you who are not in the game of not showing us respect, but getting into one’s personal life is very grave.”

Lavezzi plans to take legal action against the reporter.

Goal of the day

Messi’s free kick goal in that match against Colombia. (r/soccer)

In the news

Similar to the Argentina situation, Wayne Rooney's spokesperson had to refute claims that he was partying on England duty. (Guardian)

U.S. Soccer has already sounded out Bruce Arena in the event they want to fire Jurgen Klinsmann. (Stars and Stripes FC)

Barcelona has a new shirt sponsor for the next four seasons, Japanese company Rakuten. (FCB)

It’s going to give Barca the second-biggest shirt sponsor revenue in the world, behind Manchester United. (AS)

Atlanta United’s first-ever shirt was released on Tuesday. (MLS)

Alessio Romagnoli looks likely to miss the Milan derby after picking up an injury on Italy duty. (Football Italia)

Liverpool is pretty annoyed about having to play two games in 48 hours. (Telegraph)

You should be reading

Angela Roemelt on PSG ultras bringing some atmosphere back to their stadium. (Unusual Efforts)

Dave Bodymore on “Mini-Mourinho,” the youngest coach to obtain a UEFA A license. (The Set Pieces)

Ted Knutsen on coaching hacks to develop better players. (Stats Bomb)

What happened on Tuesday

Costa Rica totally wrecked the USMNT.

Panama and Mexico chilled out and accepted a 0-0 draw.

Argentina played well against Colombia.

England did enough for Gareth Southgate to get the permanent job.

You can find scores and tables from World Cup qualifying here. (FIFA)

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