Lionel Messi’s Goal Celebration in Preseason Friendly Grabs Attention

It was a different story on Saturday night in Nevada, when Messi gave a nod to one of the spiciest rivalries that has raged throughout his international career with Argentina.

In the blink of an eye, Messi pointed at himself and held up three fingers, then pointed at the Club America fans and held up zero.

It appeared to be a reference to Argentina's three World Cup trophies (1978, 1986 and 2022) compared to Mexico's zero. La Albiceleste won the 1986 edition on Mexican soil.

"That was so unlike him LOL I’m in shock ahahah," wrote a fan in disbelief.

"He’s actually telling mexican fans that Argentina has 3 stars and they have 0 this is a new Messi," said another.

"Henry needs to hit his signature celebration on Messi for that disrespect Messi did to the Mexican fans," said a fan, begging for Club America's star player to respond.

"These Mexicans are traumatized by Messi," pointed out a response on X.

Although Messi has only won one of Argentina's three World Cup trophies, he has a personal history with Mexico that gives him a big role in the beef. He has scored five goals in six appearances against El Tri in his career, including goals at three World Cup finals.

His memorable strike against Mexico in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar changed the trajectory of both teams in the tournament. It is remembered as the goal that sparked eventual champion Argentina to life after its opening match defeat to Saudi Arabia, but it also played a key role in knocking Mexico out in the group stage.