The former Barcelona player, Lionel Messi, expressed that the goal he scored against Mexico in the Qatar 2022 World Cup was more of a relief due to the importance of the goal than a gesture towards the Mexican fans. He implied that people were upset on the field, given that there were a large number of Mexicans in the stands, a usual characteristic of matches involving the Mexican national team.
The rivalry between Mexico and Argentina in football has its origin in a long history of matches played in FIFA World Cups. In the most recent encounter between the two national teams, Argentina won with a score of 3-1, with goals from Gonzalo Higuaín, Carlos Tévez, and a goal from Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández for Mexico.
Messi, currently at Inter Miami, reiterated that he never disrespected anyone on the field, but he believes that the Mexican fans interpreted his celebration that way. He stated that there is no real rivalry between Argentina and Mexico and that he finds it strange that this focus has emerged on the internet.
In an interview, Messi shared that he has always felt loved by the Mexican fans and that his goal celebration was not a mockery of the opponents. He recalled Argentina's victory of 6-3 in which he scored that goal and mentioned Mexico's elimination in various World Cups against the Argentina national team. Messi emphasized that he has never perceived a real rivalry between the two countries and affirmed that the idea of a football enmity is unfamiliar to him.
