Retired Mexico midfielder Adolfo Bautista slammed Lionel Messi’s celebration against Club America on social media.
The 2022 World Cup winner sparked controversy during Inter Miami’s preseason game at the Allegiant Stadium on January 19. After scoring against the Liga MX outfit, Messi held up three fingers to indicate the number of times that Argentina won the World Cup crown while Mexico had no triumphs in the FIFA competition. The 37-year-old’s antics were not well received by the former Mexico international. He called out Messi’s celebration in a now-expired Instagram story and wrote, “I admired you as a player. To involve my country speaks to your lack of professionalism and education.”
Lionel Messi was back in action for Inter Miami for the first time in 2025 on Sunday last week. The fixture saw Messi and company prevail over Club America 3-2 on penalties. During the first half of the encounter, The Herons conceded an early goal from Henry Martin in the 31st minute. The Argentine maestro answered back with the equaliser three minutes later but he didn’t stop there. The eight-time Ballon d’Or engaged in some playful banter with Mexican fans after he was jeered by the Mexican crowd. Following his controversial celebration, Messi turned around to show the fans his legendary number 10 shirt which just didn’t sit too well with Adolfo Bautista.
