Lionel Messis first appearance for Inter Miami CF 2025 sparked controversy. During a preseason friendly against Club América in Las Vegas, Messi’s controversial goal celebration reignited the long-standing rivalry between Argentina and Mexico.
The match, played in front of a crowd heavily populated by Mexican fans, saw Messi targeted with relentless taunts and insults throughout the game, fueled by the intense history between the two national teams.
In response to the hostile atmosphere, Messi, after scoring a goal, engaged in a provocative celebration that directly referenced Argentina’s superior World Cup recordadditional inflammatory stresses. This unprecedented reaction from the usually stoic Messi added a layer of complexity to the situation.
Messi’s actions drew significant criticism from Mexico. Former Mexico international Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista condemned Messi’s behavior and criticized his “lack of professionalism and training.” Mexico’s response highlighted the passion and intensity of the long-standing football rivalry between the two nations.
Mascherano’s defence: A loyal teammate
Inter Miami remained silent on the incident, despite MLS’s social media engagement. But head coach Javier Mascherano, in his first official comments since taking the reins at Inter Miami, defended his captain.
Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi at FC Barcelona and Argentina, provided context: “We know that (the Mexicans) tend to be hostile towards us Argentinians, and I think so even after the World Cupthat wound is still open, he explained. Mascherano’s unwavering support for his captain, regardless of opinion, underlines their strong bond and his approach to team management.
The intense rivalry between Argentina and Mexico has been a recurring theme in international soccer for decades. The two teams have met on the pitch several timesespecially during World Cup tournaments. The latest meeting simply reignited existing tensions.
The friendly against Club América marked Mascherano’s official debut as Inter Miami’s head coach. His defense of Messi highlights his leadership style; he is prepared to defend his team against any criticism. This approach is likely to be a key theme during his time as manager of Inter Miami.
Loading…
