In a much-anticipated preseason showdown, Lionel Messi, now playing with Inter Miami, found himself at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, facing homophobic slurs from some Mexican fans. But true-to-form, Messi handled it all with his usual poISE and resilience. Over 46,000 fans showed up, eager not just about Messi, but also about seeing Club America square off against this legendary player.
Controversy on and off The field
The game heated up quickly in its first half when Messi wowed everyone with a stunning goal. Unfortunately, this led some rival fans from Club America in Las Vegas's crowd, heard hurling "Puto Messi"—an offensive, anti-gay chant that, despite efforts from FIFA and other sports bodies, just won't disappear.
A deep-seated rivalry
Why such hostility? A lot goes back years, like when a young Messi helped Argentina beat Mexico 3-0 in their 2007 Copa America semifinal. Since then, Argentina has kept coming out on top over Mexico, even knocking them out in recent World Cup battles, including their successful campaign in Qatar in 2022. This history still stings.
Reports and videos from that night showed just how entrenched this issue remains in Mexican football crowds. It highlights a persistent challenge: getting rid altogether discriminatory language in stadiums.
Messi's bold reply
Messi didn't back down. Instead, he turned and faced those taunting him, coolly raising three fingers as a nod toward Argentina's three World Cups. He even added a lighthearted, dismissive gesture that quickly became a hit on social media, getting coverage from major sports outlets worldwide.
Of course, not everyone was thrilled. Some Mexican critics, like former player Adolfo Bautista, weren't fond on Messi's actions and hit Instagram with their disapproval. But Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano brushed it off, pointing out that rivalry between Argentina and Mexico has always been intense, only fueled more by recent World Cup clashes.
Fighting back against harmful chants
This kind behavior isn't exactly news in Mexican football. Despite campaigns trying hard eliminate such chants, they keep popping up. Just last year, there were reports during various matches, including Mexico's Copa America warm-ups. Even with warnings and stadium announcements, it stubbornly lingers.
Groups advocating LGBTQ+ rights, like DIDESEX, are pushing harder than ever. Rafael Villanueva, a key player in supporting LGBTQ sports inclusion, voiced worries that these slurs might tarnish future events, like World Cup games set in Mexico in 2026.
As Inter Miami looks ahead with Messi leading them in international tournaments, fans are curious how his exchanges with supporters will play out in upcoming matches.
Sports needs more inclusivity
Situations like this one just emphasize how important it really yearn inclusivity and respect in sports, whether you're on or off field. Messi's reaction sparked debates, but at its heart, it threw a spotlight on challenges athletes face against discrimination.
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