Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez went after Lionel Messi after suggesting the Argentina superstar disrespected Mexico.
Messi scored a stunning goal as the Albiceleste got their World Cup campaign back on track with a 2-0 victory over Mexico.
After the match, defender Nicolas Otamendi posted a clip of Messi leading the nation’s celebrations in the changing room.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had a Mexico shirt on the floor and appeared to brush it off his foot as he sat down.
Undisputed super-middleweight champion and proud Mexican Canelo took issue with this and called out Messi on Twitter.
“Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag,” Alvarez tweeted.
“He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
“Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico!
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“I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bulls*** that Messi did.”
Many were left confused by Canelo’s comments, including Messi’s former Argentina teammate Sergio Aguero.
“Mr. Canelo, don’t look for excuses or problems, surely you don’t know about soccer and what happens in a locker room,” ex-Man City striker Aguero tweeted in response.
“The shirts are always on the floor after the games are over due to sweat and then if you see well, he makes the movement to remove the boot and accidentally hits it.”
Canelo had some strong words for Messi after seeing his locker room celebration
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) November 28, 2022
(via @canelo, nicolasotamendi30/IG) pic.twitter.com/emRRHK1nGO
Messi, meanwhile, was just delighted to help seal a huge win for Argentina after the shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game.
The 35-year-old said: “We needed this euphoria.
“The days were very long, and we were eager to have the chance to turn it around. It was a critical game. [Winning] was a weight off our shoulders, and we now have peace of mind.
“The first half was difficult due to the situation and the need to win. We couldn’t find spaces.
“In the second half, we started playing our game and doing what we stand for. … The goal changed the game.”
He eventually won the whole thing despite the slow start and Canelo admitted his passion for his country got the better of him.
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