Lionel Messi’s first 2025 preseason performance for Inter Miami against Club América in Las Vegas quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the match—not just for his goal, but for a viral celebration that sent a clear message to the fans in the stands. Like we’ve never seen him before.
Watch: Messi goal vs. Club América
In the 34th minute of the friendly held at Allegiant Stadium, Messi scored the equalizer for Inter Miami with a perfectly placed header, leveling the score at 1-1. Easiest goal of his career.
Of course Messi gets Inter Miami's first goal of 2025
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 19, 2025
As the crowd erupted, Messi celebrated with his teammates only to turn towards the stands, where a sizable contingent of Mexican Club América fans were gathered. With a challenging smile, the Argentine raised his hands and pointed to the back of his jersey, then raised three fingers in the air, signaling the number of World Cups Argentina has won.
Not stopping there, Messi also made sure to remind the Mexican fans of the World Cup tally between the two nations by raising his fingers again, this time to emphasize the number "zero," a reference to Mexico’s lack of World Cup titles.
Viral: Messi World Cup titles dig celebration to Mexican Club América fans
Leo Messi to Mexican fans: "Argentina has won 3 World Cups, and Mexico? Zero."pic.twitter.com/SdySZza8vC
— Score Universal (@ScoreUniversal) January 19, 2025
The streets are saying that Messi might have the best celebration there is.
— MC (@CrewsMat10) January 19, 2025
New Messi celly just dropped pic.twitter.com/nHlpF3sD7Q
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2025
The gesture was apparently a response to a large number of boos coming from the Liga MX fans prior the start and during the match, with this being the second time that Messi receives boos and whistles from a Mexican team in the last year.
Messi, along with former Mexican national team coach, Gerardo Martino, were welcomed with a unanimous booing from Rayados fans in their Concacaf Champions Cup clash at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.
Pero como no se va a burlar? Mira este vídeo de cuando Messi fue eliminado de la Concachampions por el Monterrey, saltando como gorilas a una camiseta de Messi. pic.twitter.com/7QPQtuN4xs https://t.co/LQj1IEmmI1
— EzzFCB (@EzzFCB) January 19, 2025