It was of utmost importance for Argentina to gain a victory in their second group-stage match against Canelo Alvarez’s Mexico after suffering a surprise defeat against Saudi Arabia in the opening of the 2022 World Cup. The Albiceleste found it difficult to gain control of the match until Lionel Messi drilled a spot-on strike from 25 yards into the bottom corner in the 65th minute.
Messi then subsequently provided an assist to Enzo Fernandez who solidified the three points for manager Lionel Scaloni’s team. Messi stated that this particular game was a significant challenge for Argentina since all of the players were well aware of the pressure associated with it and the importance of the result.
Lionel Messi: “I think the most difficult match we played at that World Cup was against Mexico.” Via @urbanaplayfm. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/728LGA6niP
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) January 30, 2023
“The match with Mexico was the most difficult because of everything that was at stake and it was the one we played the worst because we had to win no matter what and that makes you play differently,” the 35-year-old said.
Messi netted seven goals in the tournament, bagging a double in the championship game against France, and was given the Golden Ball award for the second time in his career. Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the dramatic 3-3 draw that had to be decided by penalty kicks. Messi stepped up to take Argentina’s first penalty, and they went on to win 4-2 and take home the trophy.
What did Canelo Alvarez say to Lionel Messi after Mexico’s defeat?
Previously, Canelo Alvarez seemed to issue a warning to Lionel Messi through social media after viewing a clip involving the Argentine captain and a Mexican jersey. During a FIFA World Cup match in Qatar, Messi scored a goal and assisted another as Argentina defeated Mexico with a 2-0 score.
Following the match, videos showcasing the Argentine players’ celebration were shared on social media. It was revealed that some of the players had exchanged shirts, resulting in a Mexico jersey being present in the Argentina locker room. One of the videos depicted the Mexico jersey lying on the ground while Messi started to take off his cleats.
Afición mexicana poniéndose ayer el jersey de #Messi #Argentina 🇦🇷 y su ídolo pateando la playera de #México 🇲🇽que estaba en el suelo. pic.twitter.com/j9PcnAo3WT
— Uriel Chacón | (@DimeChacon_) November 27, 2022
Mexican boxing icon, Alvarez, perceived this as a disrespectful gesture by Messi and even hinted that the Argentine captain intentionally kicked the jersey. Alvarez tweeted: “Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag?” He added: “He better pray to God that I don’t find him.”
Most of the individuals who responded to these tweets, including both Mexicans and Argentines, appeared to believe that Alvarez had overacted and that Messi had not meant to offend anyone.
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