A social media account X explained Messi’s gestures with such implications, after a Vancouver Whitecaps fan teased him by flashing Ronaldo’s Portugal national team number 7 jersey right in front of the famous player. The incident occurred after Inter Miami lost 0-2 to their Canadian opponents in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final first leg on April 25.
This is the first time Messi and Inter Miami have lost to a Canadian team, after four previous unbeaten matches, including three meetings with Toronto FC (two wins, one draw) and one win against CF Montreal.
In Inter Miami’s shocking loss to Vancouver Whitecaps, people also caught the image of Messi showing extreme anger for the first time, reacting violently to a fellow countryman, Andres Cubas, of the opponent, for repeatedly provoking and trying to prevent him from scoring.
It was Andres Cubas’ close follow and constant harassment of Messi that made the 37-year-old Argentine star go through a frustrating match, with no real good chances to score for Inter Miami.
After the match, Messi left the field unhappily, insulted by many opposing fans. In addition to being teased by fans with Ronaldo’s jersey, the famous player was also ridiculed for not doing anything during the match. In response, Messi made an appointment: “See you in the second leg. Wait for me”, another user of social network X further explained the gestures of the Argentine famous player.
It is worth mentioning that the incident happened to Messi without the presence of personal bodyguard Yassine Cheuko. Accordingly, this bodyguard only protected Messi from inside the tunnel leading to the locker room and when leaving. He has been banned from being present on the field according to the new regulations of MLS (American professional soccer league) and CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football).
Will Messi help Inter Miami turn the tables against Vancouver Whitecaps in the second leg of the semi-finals?
Meanwhile, Inter Miami coach Mascherano expressed: “I have nothing to say about the match. The opponent played better than us and deserved to win. In the second leg, we have nothing to lose. We have to win the match. We know we have to score at least 2 goals and not concede. We will try. I think, Vancouver Whitecaps are under pressure.”
Striker Suarez also spoke up: “There are still 90 minutes left. The match is not over yet”. Meanwhile, according to Spanish journalist Sergio A. Gonzalez: “From a reliable source in Miami, Messi has extended his contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2027, and is only waiting for an official announcement”.
It is expected that if Messi helps Inter Miami turn the tables against Vancouver Whitecaps in the second leg of the semi-final at 7am on May 1, and wins a ticket to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, this new contract will likely be announced soon after, Sergio A. Gonzalez added.
Inter Miami will host FC Dallas at 4am on April 28 in MLS between their rematch with Vancouver Whitecaps. Messi’s participation in this match is uncertain, as he has just played on artificial turf, and may be given a rest to prepare for the crucial match against the Canadian opponent.
