Messi rips Mexican supporters to shreds after homophobic chants: ‘Hostile towards Argentines… The wound from the World Cup remains unhealed.

Messi rips Mexican supporters to shreds after homophobic chants: ‘Hostile towards Argentines… The wound from the World Cup remains unhealed.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 18: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF gestures on the pitch in the first half of a preseason friendly match against America at Allegiant Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Inter Miami FC defeated America 3-2 in a penalty shootout. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Upon Lionel Messi’s goal in the first half, a significant portion of the Club America supporters commenced chanting a chant that contained homophobic references.

In his preseason match for Inter Miami, Lionel Messi competed against the Mexican team Club America at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Wherever the Argentine travels, he is typically met with tributes from admirers; however, this occasion was distinct, as the Mexican supporters were noticeably displeased by his goal against their national team during the 2022 World Cup.

Upon the former Barcelona player’s goal in the first half, a significant contingent of Club America supporters in attendance at the stadium commenced chanting a chant that allegedly contained homophobic references directed towards Messi.

The incident occurred in the 34th minute, to which Messi provided his own reaction. He responded to the melody with a gesture that juxtaposed Argentina’s three World Cup victories against Mexico’s absence of any titles.

Tension exists between Lionel Messi and supporters of Mexican football. Subsequent to the match, Inter Miami’s newly appointed head coach, Javier Mascherano, who is also a former teammate of Messi, remarked,

“In all honesty, I have not conversed with Leo, thus I have not attributed any significant importance to the celebration.””I believe that we have more pressing matters to address. Furthermore, I have, of course, competed against Mexican teams as well as the Mexican national team.”

“It is well understood that they typically exhibit hostility towards us Argentines, and I believe that the recent World Cup has exacerbated this sentiment, leaving lingering wounds,” he remarked. Miami triumphed over Club America in a penalty shootout following a match that concluded in a 2-2 stalemate.

Messi equalised after Henry Martin gave America the lead in the 31st-minute. In the second half, Israel Reyes scored, bringing the tally to 2-1 in favour of Club America, subsequently followed by a stoppage time equaliser from Tomas Aviles.

Messi is in the swansong phase of his tenure with Miami. Notwithstanding his successful guidance of the team to the pinnacle of the standings during the regular season, they were eliminated in the initial round of the playoffs.

He concluded the season as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, finishing the regular campaign with a total of 20 goals and 16 assists. Concurrently, he was recognised as the Most Valuable Player of the regular season in Major League Soccer (MLS).