Inter Miami’s victory was overshadowed by Argentine superstar Messi’s goal celebration.
In his first match of the new year, Lionel Messi scored a goal, leading his team, Inter Miami, to a victory. However, it was Messi’s unique goal celebration that stole the spotlight, surpassing even the win itself.
In their pre-season opener on Sunday morning (Bangladesh time), Miami, representing the United States, triumphed over Mexico’s Club America 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular time.
In Las Vegas, Messi leveled the score for Miami in the 33rd minute, just two minutes after they had fallen behind. He scored with a header from a cross by Luis Suárez. After celebrating with his teammates, Messi performed a celebration that was noticeably different from his usual style.
Facing the Mexican supporters in the stands, he first raised both hands, then turned and pointed at his jersey number. He raised three fingers, signaling with his hand as if indicating zero. Many speculated that he was referencing Argentina’s three World Cup trophies compared to Mexico’s zero.
Earlier in the match, a section of the crowd, consisting of Mexican fans, had been booing Messi. His gesture was seen as a response to their jeers.
The tension between Messi and Mexico dates back to the 2022 World Cup. Following Argentina’s unexpected loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening match, the match against Mexico became a do-or-die situation for Argentina. After a scoreless first half, Messi gave Argentina the lead with a goal, and later, Enzo Fernández sealed the 2-0 victory. Argentina went on to win the World Cup, defeating France in the final, with Messi claiming his first-ever World Cup title.
