Boxing superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez has shed light on his apology to football icon Lionel Messi after their spat during the 2022 World Cup.
The unlikely beef between two sports icons kicked off when Argentina's victory over Mexico in the group stages led to a controversial leaked video involving Messi and a Mexico jersey. The 37-year-old was seen kicking a discarded Mexico shirt in the dressing rooms celebrations after Argentina's 2-0 win, a move that didn't go down well with the super middleweight champ.
Canelo, 33, expressed his fury on social media shortly after the incident in Qatar, threatening: "He [Messi] better pray to God I never find him." But the boxing legend later retracted his heated words and issued an apology to the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, acknowledging his mistake in the heated exchange, per the Daily Express.
In November 2022, Canelo took to social media to confess he "got carried away with the passion and love" for his nation. He extended his apologies "to Messi and the people of Argentina" for his initial outburst, and he has recently elaborated on his reasons for doing so.
"You have to admit when you are wrong. It doesn't make you better or worse. You have to admit when you make a mistake," Alvarez explained to Univision Fresno. "The euphoria of supporting the Mexican team at that moment and to see them losing like that... well obviously you don't put too much thought into your actions. But you have to recognise when you mess up and that's it."
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The boxing phenomenon wanted everyone to know the public's clamour on social media wasn't what provoked his rethink. Nonetheless, he showed grace in acknowledging his initial response was a bit much.
Meanwhile, Messi continued to dazzle and led Argentina to World Cup glory, capturing the global title that had always been just out of reach - even after an unexpected defeat to Saudi Arabia in their curtain-raiser. Argentina's triumphant moment marked the country's first World Cup since the late Diego Maradona helped take his nation to the crown in 1986.
Alvarez expressed his displeasure with Messi but later apologised (Getty)Mexico narrowly missed their chance at a place in the last 16 and bowed out of the group on goal difference. That was despite a final pool win over Saudi Arabia, with Poland edging them out for the coveted runner-up spot.
In a twist of fate, Messi - who has since moved to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer - hinted he might not be done with World Cup football just yet. The buzz is once again growing around his participation in the forthcoming 2026 tournament, which is set to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This could potentially set up another clash between the Argentinian legend and Canelo's Mexico, who have already secured their place as co-hosts. However, Messi might be a bit more cautious about whose shirt he kicks this time around.
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