Argentina’s captain Lineol Messi faced backlash on social media platforms after a video of the dressing room celebrations post their win over Mexico was posted by centre-back Nicolás Otamendi.
The video uploaded by Otamendi allegedly shows Messi kicking the Mexican jersey as he tries to take his right Boot off. Messi has been under fire from some supporters for disrespecting the Mexican jersey, while others defended the superstar.
Canelo Alvarez threatens Lionel Messi
Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 in a convincing fashion as their star forward Lineol Messi scores and assists a goal in the World Cup’s group stage match. The match was do-or-die for Argentina after the unexpected loss to Saudi Arabia in the first one. After winning the match the players and the coaching staff celebrated in the dressing room.
Canelo Alvarez, a Mexican World Champion Boxer has threatened Lionel Messi on Twitter after the latter was seen kicking the Mexican jersey in the celebrations by the Argentinian team.
The Boxer in his tweets mentioned Messi and asked for respect towards his nation.
“Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag?”
“He better pray to God that I don’t find him.”
“Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico! I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bullshit that Messi did.”
Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez had some strong words for Lionel Messi after seeing a video of his celebrations 😳 pic.twitter.com/bVEeJlRm7L
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 28, 2022
Fans defend the PSG Superstar
Many fans have defended by saying Messi’s act was unintentional and the star forward was just trying to remove his boot from his right leg. Lionel Messi’s former Argentinian teammate and Premier League Hall of Fame striker Sergio Aguero defended his friend and said
“Mr Canelo, do not look for excuses or problems, surely you do not know about football and what happens in a dressing room.”
“The shirts are always on the floor after the games are over because of the sweat and then if you see well, he makes the movement to remove the boot and accidentally hits it.”
Señor canelo no busques excusas o problemas , seguramente no sabes de fútbol y que pasa en un vestuario . Las camisetas siempre después que se terminan los partidos están en el piso por el sudor y después si ves bien hace el movimiento para sacarse el botín y sin querer le da . https://t.co/zfftTXH3JB
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) November 28, 2022
Here’s what fans had to say in support of Messi.
Stop spreading false hate towards Lionel Messi.
People are believing those screen shots without watching a moving clip.😀#Messi #Mexico pic.twitter.com/I5qZ2Uu5R6— Leo Messi – The Magician (@LM10TheMagician) November 28, 2022
Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez has went off on Lionel Messi on Twitter. He claims Lionel Messi cleaned/wiped the floor with a shirt of the Mexican national team. A video shows Messi was removing his boots. https://t.co/TbPXYHXy1s
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/Ziad_EJ/status/1597191702233903104?s=20&t=cxmoIFy5CjPA8aG6r6jtmA
Argentina now faces Poland in their last group-stage match. To guarantee their qualification for the knockouts they’ve to win the match against Poland and hope for Saudi Arabia to lose or have a low goal difference. If they draw against Poland then they’ve to pray for Mexico to play a draw with Saudi Arabia.
