'God of Soccer' Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) clarified his rivalry with Mexico.
On the 18th (Korean time), Messi mentioned the conflict with Mexico during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in an interview on the Argentine YouTube channel 'Simplemente Fútbol' conducted in Miami, USA.
Messi noted, "I don’t know what happened with Mexico. I don't know when that resentment started..." while expressing regret, adding, "I have always felt the love from Mexican fans and have never been rude to anyone. It seems like they created a one-sided rivalry. In reality, such a rivalry does not exist."
Argentina, which won the World Cup in Qatar, was in Group C with Mexico, Poland, and Saudi Arabia during the group stage. Argentina suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat in their first match against Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about their potential elimination.
However, Argentina revived their hopes by defeating Mexico 2-0 in their second match. Ultimately, they also won against Poland 2-0 in the final match, advancing to the round of 16 and lifting the trophy. The match against Mexico changed Argentina's momentum.
However, after the match between Argentina and Mexico, one of Messi's actions greatly provoked Mexican fans. During the celebration of their victory in the locker room with teammates, Messi appeared to kick a Mexico shirt that was lying on the floor.
This scene spread through social media (SNS). However, Messi's action was perceived as unintentional. After the match, Messi had put the shirt he exchanged with a Mexican player on the floor, and during the process of taking off his soccer shoes, he accidentally touched the shirt, which made it look as if he had kicked it.
Messi said, "The feeling of liberation after scoring a goal was stronger. It wasn't aimed at the opposing fans," adding, "That match (against Mexico) had an especially tense atmosphere. It was the only game where I really felt a sense of balance.'
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