Lionel Messi has hit back at growing animosity from Mexican fans, saying that the perceived rivalry between Argentina and Mexico is not real due to the gulf in class between the two nations.
While Argentina vs Mexico matchups have become a regular feature in World Cup history, including their most recent meeting at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – where Argentina won 2-0 – the friction between fans has intensified in recent years.
They put themselves in a position of having a rivalry with us that doesn’t really exist,” Messi told Simplemente Fútbol, a YouTube show.
“There’s no comparison between Argentina and Mexico, and I don’t know where that came from.”
That particular match marked a turning point, as Messi, typically admired across global fanbases, became the focus of anger from Mexican supporters.
!I don’t know what happened to the Mexicans, when that rivalry, that anger, started,” added Messi.
🚨🇲🇽 Leo Messi: "The truth is I don't know what happened with Mexico, when did this rivalry start. I always felt very loved by Mexico, I never disrespected anyone, I think they put themselves in a position of having a rivalry with us that doesn’t really exist.
"The comparision… pic.twitter.com/XO9wp2nIfa
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) April 17, 2025
“I always felt very loved by the people of Mexico; I never disrespected anyone.”
Throughout his career, Messi has scored four goals against Mexico and boasts an undefeated record in official matches against them.
Reflecting on the Qatar 2022 triumph, he revealed that his goal in that match held significant meaning.
“Not because of the fans, far from it. It was a huge relief and gave us the peace of mind to get back to what we were and depend on ourselves,” Messi said, describing how the win helped revive Argentina’s World Cup campaign en route to the knockout rounds.
However, tensions escalated off the pitch after that tournament. A dressing room video showed Messi’s match-worn jersey from Mexican midfielder Andres Guardado lying on the floor, which prompted Mexican boxing icon Saul “Canelo” Alvarez to accuse Messi of disrespecting Mexico.
Although the incident was later explained – Messi had not intended any offence – and Alvarez publicly apologised, the friction didn’t completely die down.
The situation resurfaced earlier this year during a friendly match in Las Vegas, where Messi’s Inter Miami faced Club America. Mexican fans jeered the World Cup winner throughout the match.
Messi responded by scoring and celebrating in front of the Club America supporters, raising three fingers as a nod to Argentina’s trio of World Cup titles.
