There has been a lot of controversy between Mexican and Argentine fans before and after the game in which La Albiceleste, but just when things seemed to be reaching a still point, footage of Lionel Messi with a Mexican jersey on the floor and appearing to kick it sparked the anger of Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez, a well-known boxing champion, who vowed to take revenge against Messi if he ever ran into him.
The boxer's anger saw him getting into arguments with former teammates of Messi such as Sergio Agüero and Cesc Fábregas, while also aiming deserved digs at Mexican journalists such as the infamous David Faitelson. Now, it has been Mexican captain Andrés Guardado who has stepped up to clear the air between his compatriot and Messi, urging "Canelo" to keep calm and try to understand the reasons why Messi's actions should not be taken as an insult.
"The jersey that was lying on the floor was mine. I exchanged it with Messi, and I also placed it on the floor because that is what the staff asks us to do," Guardado stated.
The Real Betis midfielder went on to defend Messi and asked "Canelo" to focus on what is really important: to try and give Mexico the best possible vibes to reach the next round by beating Saudi Arabia. But before that, Guardado also defended Messi and labeled all this controversy as nonsensical.
"I know what kind of a guy Leo is. Perhaps Canelo is unaware of what goes on in a dressing room. I have to say that I think this is just nonsense. Leo has had many kind gestures, and not just with me. All this noise and controversy must be intended to sell something or to create a problem where there shouldn't be one," Guardado concluded.
Mexico will face Saudi Arabia in their final match of the group stage in need of a win. As of now, El Tri are fourth in Group C, and only a win for them and a loss for either Argentina or Poland would see them through.
