A former Mexico international, Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista, believes that Lionel Messi‘s behaviour during a friendly match between Inter Miami and Club America reflected a lack of professionalism.
The friendly match, held at Allegiant Stadium on January 18, ended in a 2-2 draw, with Inter Miami eventually overcoming Club America 3-2 in a penalty shootout.
During the game, Lionel Messi scored in the 34th minute and made a gesture that some interpreted as mocking Club America fans and, by extension, Mexico.
After facing jeers from the crowd, he displayed three fingers to represent Argentina’s World Cup victories and then gestured a zero, indicating Mexico’s lack of similar success.
In response, Bautista took to Instagram to address Messi, sharing a photo of them together on the pitch. He wrote (translated), “I have always admired you as a player. However, making jokes at the expense of my country shows a disconnect with the values of professionalism and respect.”
Note that Bautista and Messi once faced each other in a competitive context during the 2010 FIFA World Cup round of 16, where Argentina won 3-1.
Between then and now, Lionel Messi has played in two FIFA World Cup finals. He led his country to win the 2022 edition of the prestigious tournament in Qatar.