This past weekend, Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, won in a penalty shootout against the Mexican Club América in an exciting friendly match that sparked controversy.
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The Argentine star, who had been booed throughout the game by Club America fans, celebrated his header goal against the Eagles of America by mocking the Mexico National Team.
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What did Lionel Messi do in his celebration against América that sparked controversy?
It was in the 33rd minute of the match between América vs. Inter Miami when the Argentine star received an assist from Luis Suárez so that, inside the small box, the number 10 only had to push the ball with his head, scoring the equalizing goal.
Faced with pressure from Club America fans, the former Barcelona player didn't waste any time and engaged with the supporters. He turned to look at them, showed them his last name on the back of his jersey, and bragged about the three World Cups won by the 'Albiceleste', while adding that Mexico has not won any titles, making a zero gesture.
This is not the first controversy involving Lionel Messi and the Mexican National Team, as after the Mexico vs. Argentina match in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a photo of the South American footballer with the Tri's jersey on the ground went viral.
After this, even Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez criticized Messi, however, days later the Mexican boxer offered an apology for the messages sent to the '10' and the misunderstanding that took place.
After this controversy, criticisms have once again rained down on Leo, sparking reactions from both Mexican fans and football figures. Among them, Adolfo Bofo Bautista, former forward for the Mexican national team, stood out. He used his social media to criticize the Argentine player. “I admired you as a player. But messing with my country speaks of your lack of professionalism and education,” wrote Bautista alongside a photograph showing him surpassing Messi in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, a match that Argentina won 3-1 in the round of 16.