Lionel Messi has been threatened by world boxing champion Canelo Alvarez following Argentina’s win over Mexico on Saturday in the second round of group stage games of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Messi was instrumental in La Albiceleste’s crucial 2-0 victory over their South American rivals, bagging a goal and an assist. The result was of utmost importance to Argentina’s hopes of progressing and ultimately winning the tournament after a shock opening game defeat to Saudi Arabia.
Argentina needed a win to stay in the competition and turned to their star man for inspiration, which he duly delivered. However, the manner of the two opening performances has led to the two-time World Cup winners to drop in the estimations of many fans, who predicted that they would go all the way. But the showings thus far suggest the team are not as strong as initially thought, and that they may be too reliant on Messi.
Despite many fans once again rightfully lauding Messi following his display against the Mexicans, one person who does not hold the Barcelona legend in high regard is world boxing champion Canelo Alvarez, who is Mexican himself.
A video from after the game was leaked on social media which shows a Mexican shirt on the floor near where Messi was seated. It also shows how the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner caught the shirt on his boot before kicking it off.
Canelo Alvarez took to Twitter to express his disgust at Messi’s actions, stating Messi ‘better pray to God’ that he doesn’t encounter the boxing champion.
“Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag?” posed Alvarez on Twitter. “He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
“Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico.
“I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bulls**t that Messi did.”
Messi is yet to respond to Alvarez’s comments but we suspect an apology or explanation for his actions will be released shortly, given the brand he undoubtedly would like to maintain. Furthermore, the Argentine probably would not want to have any beef with a boxing champion… for his own safety.
The fate of Argentina’s World Cup campaign will be decided on Wednesday as they face Poland in their final group stage game. Lionel Scaloni’s men do have a very strong chance of progressing to the next round, but only a win over Robert Lewandowski’s side will guarantee their spot in the Round of 16.