Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez has accused Lionel Messi of insulting Mexico after Argentina won their World Cup clash 2-0 on Saturday.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored a brilliant opening goal to set the Albicelestes on their way to a crucial victory after losing their first match 2-1 to Japan.
Argentina showed their celebrations in the dressing room on social media in the aftermath of the match with Messi angering Mexico supporters.
The footage showed a Mexico shirt on the floor in front of where Messi was sitting and the Argentina forward caught the Mexican shirt with his foot as he kicked off his boot.
And it angered Alvarez – who has won multiple world championship fights in four weight classes – with the Guadalajara-born boxer claiming Messi showed disrespect by leaving the Mexico shirt on the floor.
“Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag,” Canelo wrote on Twitter.
“He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
“Just as I respect Argentina, you have to respect Mexico! I’m not talking about the country, I’m talking about Messi because of the bulls*** he did.
“Since the Mexico shirt is on the ground, it’s already an insult. Stop bulls***ing about what was or wasn’t.”
Argentina needed the victory to keep hopes of progress from their group alive and Messi was ecstatic with the win.
“We needed this euphoria,” said Messi.
“The days were very long, and we were eager to have the chance to turn it around. It was a critical game. [Winning] was a weight off our shoulders, and we now have peace of mind.
“The first half was difficult due to the situation and the need to win. We couldn’t find spaces.
“In the second half, we started playing our game and doing what we stand for. … The goal changed the game.”
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni added: “The feeling you are playing something more than a football match, I don’t share this opinion.
“I do think the feeling of joy is there. Maybe you think I am crazy. We will enjoy it in the dressing room tonight, but tomorrow, that’s it, we start again.
“It was the same when we won the Copa America – the happiness lasts only 10 minutes. We need to find that emotional balance when we win, and when we lose.”
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