Lionel Messi delivers a memorable retort in response to taunts from Mexican supporters, who directed a homophobic slur at him.

Lionel Messi provided a notable response following the derogatory remarks made by Mexican supporters, who directed a homophobic slur at him. The Argentine football legend did not hesitate to articulate his reaction.

Lionel Messi participated in Inter Miami’s inaugural pre-season match against Club América on Saturday, January 18, before an audience of 46,000 spectators at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada. The former Barcelona favourite netted an equaliser for his team during the first half, which incited rival supporters to chant “puto Messi.” The derogatory term is synonymous with “f****t” or “male prostitute.”

In response, a beaming Messi raised three fingers to remind the audience that Argentina has secured three World Cup titles, in contrast to Mexico’s lack of any. The following day, Major League Soccer shared a video capture of the moment on X/Twitter, which has since garnered 18,000 likes.

Numerous comments beneath the post designate Messi as the preeminent player in the history of the sport. In 2018, the international regulating body FIFA imposed a financial penalty on Mexico following the occurrence of a homophobic chant sung by fans during the World Cup held in Russia.

In 2023, LGBTQ+ football organisations advocated for intervention following an increase in “abusive” homophobic protests during matches. In reference to the “Chelsea rent boy” refrain, a representative from Football v

Homophobia stated: “The frequency of such incidents, coupled with their overtly abusive, injurious, and detrimental nature, as well as their pronounced vocal intensity within stadiums, ought to raise significant concern for the entire football community.”

In 2023, Messi transferred to Inter Miami, a club partially owned by David Beckham, after having achieved an impressive record of 474 goals in 520 appearances for the esteemed Spanish club Barcelona.