After being accused of insulting Mexico at the World Cup in Qatar by legendary boxer Saul Canelo, Lionel Messi stated he did not need to apologise.
After Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Mexico last weekend, Alvarez was enraged at the team’s locker room celebrations and claimed Messi had ruined a Mexican jersey by kicking it while it was on the ground.
Messi accidentally touched a Mexican shirt with his foot while taking off his footwear, as shown in video.
Alvarez, a multiple-weight world champion, sent a string of irate comments online, including a warning to Messi to “hope to god” that their paths don’t collide.
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However, Messi personally addressed the conflict after Alvarez backtracked on Wednesday and apologised, acknowledging that he had been “taken away” by his emotions.
“It was a misunderstanding,” the Argentina captain was quoted as saying by TUDN.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t disrespect anyone. It’s locker room stuff that happens after the game.
“I don’t have to apologize because I don’t disrespect the people of Mexico or the shirt.”
Messi was speaking following Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Poland on Wednesday, a game in which he missed a penalty but helped his team advance to the next round in Qatar.
