The rivalry between Mexican and Argentine fans has grown more intense in recent years, reaching a high point in the 2022 World Cup match in Qatar, where Argentina secured a 2–0 victory. However, Lionel Messi expresses confusion about the source of this animosity.

In an interview with Simply Football, the Inter Miami star discussed recent encounters with Mexican teams and fans, from the high-stakes World Cup game to a friendly against Club América earlier this year. 'I don’t know when that anger began,' Messi said. 'I’ve always felt greatly appreciated by the Mexican people. I’ve never disrespected anyone. I think they’ve created this rivalry with us that doesn’t truly exist.'

'There’s no real comparison between Argentina and Mexico. I’m not sure where it originated,' the forward added.

'The goal I enjoyed most was the one against Mexico'

That match in Lusail was a crucial battle, where the losing team would need a miracle in their final Group C game to advance. After 64 tense minutes, Messi broke the deadlock with a precise left-footed shot that outmaneuvered Guillermo Ochoa. This goal brought immense relief to Argentina—players and fans—and sparked their path to a third World Cup title.

'The goal I enjoyed most in Qatar was the one against Mexico,' Messi recalled. 'Not due to the fans, but because it provided such a sense of relief. It allowed us to relax and play our style, putting us back in control.'

In the same interview, Messi clarified that his passionate celebration wasn’t intended to provoke Mexican fans. 'No, it was more about releasing built-up emotion than targeting anyone,' he explained.

The victory gave Argentina three points and a strong chance to reach the round of 16, which they achieved with a 2–0 win over Poland. Mexico, meanwhile, needed to defeat Saudi Arabia by more than three goals to stay in contention.

Messi’s relationship with Mexico has become strained

'The atmosphere was challenging,' Messi said. 'Mexico brings supporters everywhere—to every World Cup and competition. I’m not sure if they felt more dominant that day, but the stadium felt evenly split.'

That Qatar match wasn’t the only incident. While Argentina and Mexico haven’t met in an official game since, Messi has faced Mexican clubs multiple times.

His Inter Miami debut in July 2023 was against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup group stage, where he clinched a 2–1 win with a spectacular free-kick in the 94th minute.

In March 2024, Inter Miami played Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, where Rayados fans burned Messi jerseys and hurled insults and chants at him.

A similar scene occurred in January 2025, when Inter Miami met Club América in a friendly in Las Vegas. Messi scored the first goal and celebrated by holding up three fingers on one hand and a zero on the other, symbolizing the difference in World Cup titles between Argentina (3) and Mexico (0).