Lionel Messi has faced criticism from a former Mexican international following the events that transpired during the match between Inter Miami and Club America.

Lionel Messi has faced criticism from a former Mexican international following the events that transpired during the match between Inter Miami and Club America.

 

 

Inter Miami secured their inaugural victory under the leadership of Javier Mascherano on Sunday, triumphing in a penalty shootout against Club America.

 

 

 

 

Academy graduate Santiago Morales emerged as the hero for the Herons, as the 17-year-old midfielder successfully converted the decisive penalty against the esteemed Mexican club. Additionally, Inter Miami supporters expressed admiration for Tomas Aviles’ performance during the match.A significant topic of discussion arising from the match was Lionel Messi’s response to his inaugural goal of 2025.

 

 

 

The Argentine international appeared to incite the Mexican supporters present by gesturing towards the crowd to emphasise that his nation has secured three FIFA World Cup titles, in contrast to Mexico’s lack of any. Former Mexico international Adolfo Bautista expressed his dissatisfaction with Lionel Messi’s performance in Las Vegas.Messi exhibited a deficiency in ‘professionalism’ during Inter Miami’s victory against Club America.

 

 

 

Utilising his official Instagram account, the former striker asserted that Messi exhibited a deficiency in professionalism by ridiculing Club America and the supporters of Mexico. Bautista remarked, “I held you in high regard as a player.” However, interfering with my country reflects a deficiency in both professionalism and education.

 

 

 

Given Messi’s interactions with the crowd, which have become the primary focus of discussion following the match—particularly in light of his historical encounters with Mexico in World Cup competitions—it is unsurprising that former national team star Bautista has expressed his displeasure regarding the actions of the Inter Miami player in Las Vegas.

 

 

 

Certainly, Messi’s gesture has the potential to position the forward as a prominent antagonist in this season’s CONCACAF Champions Cup, particularly if Inter Miami encounters a Mexican team in the competition. This scenario is quite plausible, considering the formidable capabilities of Liga MX teams within the tournament.

 

 

 

As the World Cup in Mexico approaches next summer, it is conceivable that Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team may swiftly become a source of discontent for El Tri supporters, should they find themselves matched against one another once more in the tournament.

 

 

 

This scenario would undoubtedly intensify the existing rivalry.Which additional opponents will Inter Miami encounter during this pre-season? Setting aside the drama surrounding Messi, Inter Miami commenced their pre-season with an impressive victory against one of Mexico’s premier teams, Club America.

 

 

 

In their inaugural match of 2025, the Herons demonstrated their potential to be a formidable contender. Date Opponent Location January 30th, Universitario de Deportes, Lima, Peru. February 2nd, Sporting San Miguelito, Panama City, Panama. February 8th Club Deportivo Olimpia, located in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

 

 

 

 

February 14th Orlando City SC, located in Tampa, Florida, United States. Inter Miami’s forthcoming pre-season matches present an opportunity for the Florida franchise to once again demonstrate their prowess in anticipation of the 2025 season. The Herons are scheduled to travel to Peru to compete against Universitario de Deportes.

 

 

 

 

As Inter Miami prepares for the upcoming season, they are undertaking appropriate measures during the pre-season, particularly with challenging matches scheduled against esteemed opponents such as Club Deportivo Olimpia and Orlando City SC. Mascherano is particularly motivated to make a significant impact for the Chase Stadium team.