Argentina captain Lionel Messi has broken his silence regarding the alleged tension with Mexico's fanbase—a narrative that intensified after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In an interview with journalist Quique Wolff, the Argentine star made it clear that he has never felt hostility from Mexican fans. On the contrary, he says he has always received affection and respect from them.

The controversy began after the group-stage match between Argentina and Mexico, where Messi scored one of the goals in a crucial 2–0 victory that reignited his team’s World Cup campaign. Beyond the match itself, the spotlight shifted to the post-game reactions, particularly those from some Mexican fans and public figures, such as boxer Canelo Álvarez, who accused Messi of disrespecting the Mexican flag in the locker room celebrations.

However, instead of escalating the situation, Messi took the opportunity to explain his side and denied any kind of ill will toward the Mexican people.

Messi downplays "rivalry" with Mexico and recalls when he was more loved

"Honestly, I don’t know when this so-called rivalry started. I’ve always felt appreciated by Mexican fans. I never disrespected anyone," said the World Cup winner in a calm tone, addressing the claims that he is a divisive figure for Mexico's supporters.

The Inter Miami player even looked back fondly on his early encounters with Mexico, such as in the 2006 World Cup in Germany or in South Africa 2010—matches that helped shape the golden generation of Argentina, which ultimately triumphed in Qatar.

Speaking specifically about the match in Doha, Messi explained that the goal he scored was an emotional release amid the pressure they faced after losing to Saudi Arabia, and was never intended as provocation: “It was just a release due to the importance of that moment. It wasn’t against the fans. In fact, that was the only match where there were more Mexicans than Argentinians in the stadium.”

Finally, Messi insisted that he doesn’t understand why this idea of hostility emerged and believes it’s based on a misunderstanding. “I think it was misinterpreted. There’s no comparison and no rivalry between Argentina and Mexico, at least not for me,” he said.