- All-time great suffered cup final heartache
- Clashed with fellow countryman in Seattle
- Ruled winger out of international contention
MLS rivals faced off in the 2025 كأس الدوري final, with the Sounders emerging victorious as they claimed a notable 3-0 victory. Tempers spilled over during and after that contest at Lumen Field – with لويس Suarez generating more unfortunate headlines.
One in-game incident saw Sounders star De la Vega become caught up in a tense exchange with fellow countrymen Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. It was during that discussion that eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is said to have made a serious international threat to the 24-year-old winger.
MLS veteran Alan Gordon, who once played alongside David Beckham at the لوس أنجلوس جالاكسي, has told the Major League Journeymen podcast: “Messi told him – remember when they got into a little scuffle during the game. Messi told him to his face ‘You will never play for the وطني team as long as I am involved’. He basically blackballed him on the field. This happened. That is disgusting to me.”
Gordon claims to have been given that information by a reliable source. De la Vega, though, attempted to play down the argument after being named Leagues Cup MVP, telling reporters: “Messi and [Rodrigo] De Paul? They are the greatest. They are world champions and they are my idols. The clash was just part of the game. I tried to stay focused and not take it personally. Facing them as an Argentine carries a different kind of pressure.”
De la Vega has previously represented his country at U20 level. It remains to be seen whether he earns a senior call-up while Messi is involved, with the record-shattering all-time great hinting at bowing out of international football after the 2026 كأس العالم.
