Following Lionel Messi’s gestures towards Membership América followers, a former Mexico nationwide crew World Cup rival criticized the Inter Miami star, questioning his professionalism and training.
Lionel Messi discovered himself on the middle of controversy over the weekend following provocative gestures geared toward Membership America followers after scoring a objective. The incident sparked debate and caught the eye of a former Mexico nationwide crew participant who as soon as confronted Messi within the World Cup, who publicly criticized the Inter Miami star’s professionalism and conduct.
Inter Miami kicked off their “Americas Preseason Tour” with a match in Las Vegas in opposition to Liga MX champions Membership America. Messi, a focus of criticism from the group all through the sport, responded on the sector by scoring an equalizing objective within the thirty third minute. Nonetheless, it was his celebration that fueled the controversy.
After scoring a header—his first objective of 2025—Messi turned to the stands, pointing to the again of his jersey to spotlight his title and iconic No. 10. He then raised three fingers, representing Argentina’s three World Cup victories, earlier than making a pinched fingers gesture, seemingly taunting the followers by asking, “What have you ever gained?”
Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista, a former Mexico worldwide who confronted Messi through the 2010 FIFA World Cup, took to Instagram to voice his disapproval. Sharing a picture of himself competing in opposition to Messi within the World Cup, he questioned his lack of professionalism and training.
“I admired you as a participant. However mocking my nation speaks to your lack of professionalism and training,” wrote in his Instagram tales, attaching a picture of him profitable a duel in opposition to Messi. Mockingly, Bautista’s referenced World Cup look in opposition to the Argentine was the one sport he performed within the event.
Messi’s Argentina vs Mexico
Messi’s profession has included quite a few high-stakes clashes in opposition to Mexico, most notably within the World Cup. The match Bautista referred to was the 2010 World Cup Spherical of 16, the place Argentina defeated Mexico 3-1, with Messi contributing an help.
The opposite Messi video games in opposition to Mexico
Argentina 2 – 1 Mexico | Germany 2006 World Cup | Messi performed 36 minutes and didn’t contribute to the rating.Argentina 3 – 0 Mexico | 2007 Copa America | Scored a objective.Argentina 4 – 1 Mexico | Pleasant sport | Scored a objective and delivered an help.Argentina 2 – 2 Mexico | Pleasant sport | Scored a objective.Argentina 2 – 0 Mexico | Qatar 2022 World Cup | Scored a objective and delivered an help.
Regardless of the current controversy, Messi has maintained optimistic relationships with outstanding Mexican figures. Rafael Marquez, his former teammate at Barcelona, and Andres Guardado have each spoken extremely of him.
Even System 1 star Sergio “Checo” Pérez and his household shared a heat second with Messi earlier than the Membership America match, underscoring the mutual respect between the Argentine legend and a few of Mexico’s sports activities icons.