Superstar Lionel Messi’s act of mocking the Mexican team has been heavily criticized by a former Mexican player.
In a pre-season friendly, Inter Miami faced Mexican team Club America on January 18. During the match, Messi was booed by the Mexican crowd.
In response, the Argentine striker touched his left chest (where the Argentina team logo is located) and raised three fingers, symbolizing Argentina’s three World Cup wins. Messi then clasped his hands together, implying that Mexico had never won the World Cup.
Messi turned away, smiling calmly and confidently. This was a strong statement about Messi and the Argentine team’s position against Mexico. El Pulga’s move further fueled the “hot heads”.
On his personal page, former Mexican football star Adolfo Bautista posted two pictures of him defeating Messi in the 2010 World Cup round of 16. Along with that, Bautista commented: “I used to admire you. But causing trouble with my country proves that you are unprofessional and uneducated.”
However, Adolfo Bautista’s move seemed to backfire. Many fans ridiculed him. The reason was that the photo Adolfo Bautista used was the match in which Mexico lost 1-3 to Argentina, causing El Tri to be eliminated from the World Cup. It was a sign that Mexico always bowed to Messi and Argentina.
The match between Inter Miami and Club America ended with a score of 2-2 after two regular periods. Messi contributed 1 goal. In the penalty shootout, Inter Miami won with a score of 3-2.
Messi and his teammates have four more friendlies ahead of the new season, against Universitario, Sporting San Miguelito, Olimpia and Orlando City. They will play their first official match against Sporting KC in the CONCACAF Champions League on February 19. In MLS, Inter Miami will play their opening match against New York City on February 23.
