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Doha (AFP) – Mexican boxer Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez issued a warning to Lionel Messi after a video clip of the Argentine star appeared celebrating the victory over his country in the 2022 World Cup with Mexico’s shirt under his feet on the ground.
The video, which was circulated on social media, showed Messi touching the Mexican shirt with his foot in the dressing room during his celebration and his teammates’ victory over Mexico in Group C 2-0 on Saturday.
Alvarez, the world champion in different weights, said on Twitter, “Did you see Messi cleaning the floor with our shirt and our flag? It is better to ask God not to find him!!”
Alvarez’s anger prompted immediate reactions from Messi’s fans, arguing that there was nothing unusual about a shirt lying on the ground after a match.
It appears that the Argentina captain has exchanged shirts with his Mexican counterpart, Andres Guardado.
Some people responded to Alvares, pointing out that the video did not show Messi cleaning anything, and there was no Mexico flag in it, so the boxer responded that regardless, Messi had “insulted” Mexico.
Former Argentine international and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero replied, “Mr. Canelo, do not look for excuses and problems. You may not know football and what happens in the dressing room. The shirts are always on the ground after matches because of sweat.”
And Alvarez (32 years), who is considered one of the best boxers of his generation, entered into an argument with many people, including Egyptian journalists, “As I respect Argentina, Mexico must be respected. I am not talking about the country, but about Messi and the stupid thing he did.”
Messi scored the first goal against Mexico to keep alive Argentina’s hopes of qualifying for the second round after a shocking 2-1 opening loss against Saudi Arabia.
© 2022 AFP