Messi reveals this long-range strike is his favourite goal

The tension between Mexican and Argentine fans has intensified in recent years. The match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which ended in a 2–0 victory for Argentina, was the peak of that rivalry. Yet, Lionel Messi says he doesn’t understand where the animosity comes from.

In an interview with Simply Football, the Inter Miami star reflected on recent clashes with Mexican teams and fans—from the high-stakes World Cup match to a friendly against Club América earlier this year. “I don’t know when that anger started,” Messi said. “I’ve always felt very loved by the Mexican people. I’ve never disrespected anyone. I think they put themselves in this rivalry with us that doesn’t really exist.”

“There’s no comparison between Argentina and Mexico. I don’t know where that came from,” added the forward.

‘The goal I enjoyed most was the one against Mexico’

That match in Lusail was a high-stakes showdown. The losing team would be left needing a miracle in their final Group C match to stay in the tournament. After 64 tense minutes, it was Messi who finally broke the deadlock with a left-footed strike that beat Guillermo Ochoa. The goal was a moment of catharsis for Argentina—players and fans alike—and marked the start of their journey to a third World Cup title.

“The goal I enjoyed most in Qatar was the one against Mexico,” Messi recalled. “Not because of the fans—far from it—but because it brought such a sense of relief. It allowed us to calm down and play our game again, to depend on ourselves.”

In the same interview, Messi clarified that the passionate celebration wasn’t meant to provoke Mexican fans. “No, it was more a release of emotion than anything against the people,” he explained.

The win put Argentina on three points and gave them a solid chance to qualify for the round of 16, which they did after beating Poland 2–0. Mexico, on the other hand, was left needing to beat Saudi Arabia by more than three goals to stay alive.

Messi’s Mexico relationship is now a frosty one

“The pitch was tough,” Messi said. “Mexico travels everywhere—they bring people to every World Cup, every competition. I don’t know if they felt more Mexican than Argentine that day, but the stadium felt really balanced.”

That night in Qatar wasn’t the only episode. While Argentina and Mexico haven’t met in another official match since, Messi has crossed paths with Mexican clubs multiple times.

His debut with Inter Miami in July 2023 was against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup group stage. Messi sealed a 2–1 win with a stunning free-kick goal in the 94th minute, announcing his arrival with style.

In March 2024, Inter Miami traveled to Monterrey for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. Rayados fans didn’t hold back—they burned shirts bearing Messi’s name and greeted him with insults and hostile chants from the stands.

Related stories

NFL

Aaron Rodgers’ future still up in the air: these are the options open to the QB

NFL

“We would not be afraid”: Giants’ Hunter plan

A similar scene unfolded in January 2025, when Inter Miami faced Club América in a friendly in Las Vegas. Messi scored the opener and celebrated by taunting the América fans—raising three fingers with one hand and a zero with the other to highlight the difference in World Cup titles between Argentina (3) and Mexico (0).

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.