After Canelo Alvarez steered controversy by criticising Argentina captain Lionel Messi for disrespecting Mexico during their clash at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Mexican boxer has now been on the receiving end. Many have slammed Canelo for his irresponsible comments, with former Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo now joining the tirade. The Fluminense player has defended as a ‘respectful’ man, giving back the stick to Canelo.
The boxer had alleged last week that the Argentina captain disrespected Mexico after their game, by ‘wiping’ the floor with their shirt. Messi put on a magic show against the El Tri, as Argentina needed a win at all costs to keep their dream of going all the way at the tournament alive. And the ‘La Pulga’ stepped up for his team, netting an absolute belter from outside the box, and setting up another goal as Argentina won 2-0. However, citing a video clip from Argentina’s dressing room celebrations, Canelo accused Messi of insulting whole of ‘Mexico’.
Felipe gives befitting reply to Canelo for his threatening message to Lionel Messi
Canelo Alvarez took to Twitter to call out Lionel Messi for disrespecting the Mexico shirt by kicking it with his legs. In the video, it presumably appeared that Messi indeed kicked a Mexico shirt he had swapped with his right leg. However, a close look at the incident made it clear that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was actually removing his cleats, and was unaware of the Mexico shirt lying on his feet.
But Canelo clearly misread the situation as he went on to threaten Messi on Twitter, writing:
“Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag. He better pray to God that I don’t find him. Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico!”
“Mr. Canelo, don’t look for excuses or problems, surely you don’t know about soccer and what happens in a locker room. The shirts are always on the floor after the games are over due to sweat and then if you see well, he makes the movement to remove the booty and accidentally hits it.”
“I had a lot of respect for Canelo, because I like boxing. But he’s someone who doesn’t know anything about soccer, he has to shut up. He has to shut up, he doesn’t know anything about soccer. Messi is a guy…. You won’t find a more respectful guy than Messi in any team. I played against him many times, when he was at Barcelona and also in the national team and he always respected you a lot. So, a guy who opens his mouth to talk crap is not worth answering.”
