FIFA World Cup 2022: Canelo Alvarez is arguably the biggest name in boxing right now. The undisputed super-middleweight champion has now been in the news even more thanks to his threat to superstar footballer, Lionel Messi. However, things have finally cooled down between the two after UFC fighter Santiago Ponzinibbio got involved. For more combat sports news, follow Insidesport.IN.
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Alvarez showed his frustration towards Lionel Messi in a series of tweets after the Mexico vs Argentina match in the FIFA World Cup 2022. And while footballers jumped to support Messi, UFC fighter Ponzinibbio challenged Canelo and backed Messi.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Why Did Canelo Alvarez Apologize to Lionel Messi After UFC Fighter Backed the Argentine Footballer?
The Argentine fighter told MMAFighting, “I was upset. Brother, if you want to fight, I’m ready, but leave Messi be. You mess with Messi, you mess with the entire Argentina. Don’t bother the kid.”
This comment from Ponzinibbio was just one of many who questioned Canelo’s extreme reaction to something that is fairly normal in football. And now, the Mexican boxer has clarified the situation.
Alvarez took to Twitter to say that he got carried away with the love and passion for his country. He also said the comments were out of place, and therefore, he apologized to Messi and all Argentinians. Alvarez also added that he learned from it.
Estos últimos días me dejé llevar por la pasión y el amor que siento por mi país e hice comentarios que estuvieron fuera de lugar por lo que quiero disculparme con Messi y la gente de Argentina. Todos los días aprendemos algo nuevo y esta vez me tocó a mí.
— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) November 30, 2022
Why did Canelo Alvarez get angry at Lionel Messi?
Alvarez initially got angry with Messi because of the apparent disrespect Messi showed to the Mexican jersey. Footage of Argentina celebrating the win over Mexico showed Messi taking off his shoes and, in the process, accidentally kicking the Mexican jersey that was on the floor.
Alvarez first questioned why the jersey was on the floor. In addition, he said Messi should have been more careful when taking off his shoes to avoid kicking the jersey. And the Mexican boxer did not hide his feelings. Even going after those who supported Messi.
However, it looks like the situation has calmed down now, and Canelo has realized that different sports are played in different situations. It will be interesting how Canelo Alvarez and Messi react when they meet. Especially when Mexico missed out on the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after Argentina couldn’t score more than two against Poland.
What did you make of this whole Canelo Alvarez and Lionel Messi situation?
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