Lionel Messi has downplayed the idea of a fierce rivalry between Argentina and Mexico, saying any suggestion of animosity between the two national teams is overblown.
Speaking to Simplemente Futbol, the Argentine captain addressed past claims that tensions exist between the sides — especially after a viral video from the 2022 World Cup showed Messi appearing to nudge Mexico captain Andres Guardado’s jersey in the dressing room.
“They put themselves in a position of having a rivalry with us that doesn’t really exist,” Messi said. “There is no comparison between Argentina and Mexico, and I don’t know where it comes from.”
The footage at the time sparked a media storm, with some interpreting the moment as a sign of disrespect. However, Messi’s recent comments make it clear that from his perspective, there’s no genuine hostility between the teams.
