Lionel Messi angered Canelo Álvarez and the people of Mexico during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The anger stemmed more from a dressing room incident than from the defeat on the pitch.
The Argentine has once again spoken about the incident, saying it was just a misunderstanding.
Lionel Messi Clears the Air With Canelo Álvarez
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina defeated Mexico in the group stage clash, with Messi and Enzo Fernández getting on the scoresheet, while easing to a 2-0 win. The win was much-needed for the eventual champions, as they had come into the game after a defeat to Saudi Arabia.
A post-match clip from the Argentine dressing room went viral, as a Mexico jersey was spotted at the feet of Messi. Canelo was among those who launched an all-out attack on social media, claiming that the Argentine was disrespecting them.
Speaking on the “Miro de Atrás” podcast, Messi recalled the incident, saying it was a normal thing taken out of context by many. He said that sweaty shirts are often thrown on the floor of the dressing room following matches, regardless of the club and national colors, and said:
“We were talking about swapping shirts right after… the shirt I swapped was Guardado’s, I think. You take off the shirt and put it there because it’s all sweaty, just like yours. I take mine off and throw it there too; it’s the most normal thing. I think it was made into something much bigger than it was.”
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Messi went on to say that he had no issues with Mexico, the people and the national team, while adding that he has kept an eye on Liga MX.
“It was taken out of context, but I think it also has to do with the anger of having faced each other in so many World Cups… My his personal view of Mexico? The truth is, I never had a problem, far from it. In fact, many times I spoke with Patón about the league [Liga MX] and the Mexicans. I never had a problem. I think it came out recently that I watch Mexican football too… I watch everything.”
Messi also spoke about the incident in 2022, refusing to apologize. Canelo apologized for his outburst, saying it was an emotional reaction after Mexico’s loss in the World Cup.
Argentina went on to win the FIFA World Cup, while Mexico went out in the group stage.
