Lionel Messi Sparks Controversy with Celebration Against Club América
Lionel Messi once again found himself at the center of attention—not just for his brilliance on the field, but for the drama that unfolded during Inter Miami’s friendly against Club América. While the Herons secured a hard-fought victory in a penalty shootout, it was Messi’s celebration after his 34th-minute goal that ignited an uproar among Mexican fans and dominated post-match discussions.
The game, held at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, saw Club América fans loudly jeer Messi throughout the match. When the Argentine superstar scored to level the game, he made a bold statement. Messi turned to the América crowd, pointed to the name on the back of his jersey, then gestured toward himself, holding up three fingers before making a zero sign with his hand.
The gesture was widely interpreted as a reminder of Argentina’s three FIFA World Cup titles compared to Mexico’s lack of championships. Some fans also connected the celebration to Argentina’s 2–0 victory over Mexico during the 2022 World Cup group stage, with the hand signs mimicking that final score.
The celebration quickly became a viral sensation, dividing opinion on social media. Mexican fans and media were quick to condemn the display, calling it disrespectful, especially in a friendly match setting. “It was unnecessary,” read one prominent Mexican sports outlet’s headline, reflecting the sentiments of many fans. In stark contrast, Argentinian supporters and media celebrated Messi’s actions, hailing it as a moment of confidence and pride for their national hero.
The backlash extended beyond social media, with former Mexico national team player Adolfo Bautista publicly criticizing Messi. Bautista posted a scathing message on Instagram, saying, “I admired you as a player, but to disrespect my country shows a lack of professionalism and education.”
The controversy underscores the long-standing tensions between Argentinian and Mexican fanbases, a rivalry that has been heightened by Argentina’s consistent success over Mexico in recent World Cups. Messi has played a pivotal role in Argentina’s dominance, including victories in 2006, 2010, and 2022. For many Mexican fans, this history has made Messi a villain in their eyes, and his celebration only added fuel to the fire.
Despite the uproar, Messi appeared unfazed. His goal marked the beginning of what Inter Miami hopes will be a successful 2025 MLS season. The Herons showcased resilience in their penalty shootout victory, a promising sign as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
While Messi’s celebration may fade from headlines in the coming days, the debate over its appropriateness highlights the deep passions and rivalries that make soccer more than just a game. For better or worse, Messi’s actions have added another chapter to the storied history of Argentina-Mexico football relations.
