Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami took to the field for their first match of the year last Sunday during their pre-season. Despite Messi scoring, the match ended in a 2-2 draw with Mexico’s Club América. However, Miami managed to secure a 3-2 victory in the subsequent penalty shootout.
While everything seemed fine up to that point, trouble arose elsewhere.
During the match in Nevada, fans of the Mexican club jeered Messi. In response to the boos, the World Cup-winning star exhibited behavior that was quite out of character. Messi, while pointing with his finger, made a gesture indicating that Argentina had won three World Cups, whereas Mexico has yet to win one.
The image and video clip of Messi’s gesture quickly went viral on social media, sparking debates and discussions about his behavior, both for and against him.
One of the critics of Messi’s actions is former Mexican attacking midfielder Adolfo Bautista. Bautista even questioned Messi’s education due to his gesture.
Bautista, who retired from professional football in 2016, posted on social media, saying, “I like you as a player, but mistreating my country shows your lack of professionalism and education.”
Bautista’s comments have stirred up fresh discussions. Now, many are waiting to see if Messi will respond to the former Mexican footballer’s aggressive remarks.
Inter Miami will play their next match of the pre-season against Peruvian club Universitario de Deportes. The match will take place on January 30 at the Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru.
