Lionel Messi’s first goal of 2025 was not long in coming for soccer fans. In the 34th minute of Inter Miami CF’s opening preseason game against Club America of Mexico in Las Vegas, the Argentinean attacker scored. In what seemed to be a savage celebration directed against the Mexican supporters, he celebrated the goal. Throughout his career, Messi has been renowned for his quiet manner.

With few notable exceptions, the majority of his 850 career goals were met with subdued celebrations. Although he has spiced it up throughout his time in Major League Soccer with a number of Marvel-themed celebrations to amuse his kids, his go-to move is a straightforward two-handed point to the sky in honor of his grandmother.

On Saturday night in Nevada, however, things were different. Messi acknowledged one of the most intense rivalries that has raged throughout his entire career with Argentina.

Messi quickly gestured at himself with three fingers before pointing at the Club America supporters with zero. It seemed to be a reference to Mexico’s zero World Cup trophies in contrast to Argentina’s three (1978, 1986, and 2022). On Mexican turf, La Albiceleste became victorious in the 1986 competition.

One fan added, “That was so unlike him LOL I’m in shock ahahah,” incredulously. “He’s telling Mexican fans that Argentina has 3 stars and they have 0 this is a new Messi,” stated another.

“Henry needs to hit his signature celebration on Messi for that disrespect Messi did to the Mexican fans,” a fan tweeted, pleading for the star player for Club America to answer. “These Mexicans are traumatized by Messi,” one commenter on X said.

Despite having only won one of Argentina’s three World Cup titles, Messi plays a significant part in the rivalry because of his relationship with Mexico. Throughout his career, he has faced El Tri six times and scored five goals, including three World Cup final goals. His iconic goal against Mexico during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar altered both sides’ course in the competition. It is regarded as the goal that ignited Argentina, the eventual champion, to victory after its opening match defeat to Saudi Arabia, but it also played a key role in knocking Mexico out in the group stage.