World Cup: Boxer Canelo Alvarez issues bizarre threat to Lionel Messi for 'kicking' Mexico jersey

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LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 26: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Mexico at Lusail Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

Mexico’s world champion boxer Canalo Alvarez has seemingly threatened Argentina star Lionel Messi for "disrespecting" his country's flag.

In a video posted online of the Argentinian side celebrating their first victory of the World Cup in Qatar, Messi can be seen slightly flicking what appears to be the Mexico shirt as he removes his boots.

Messi scored for Argentina in their 2-0 win over Mexico on Sunday before Alvarez took to social media to take his frustration out on the global star.

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"Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag," Alvarez tweeted. "He better pray to God that I don't find him.

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"Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico! I'm not talking about the country as a whole, just about the bulls—t that Messi did."

Many social media users pointed out that Canelo was overreacting following his furious post.

Canelo Alvarez, right, hits Amir Khan during their WBC middleweight title fight Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Canelo Alvarez, right, hits Amir Khan during their WBC middleweight title fight in 2016. (AP)

“All he did was take off his shoes and it hit the Mexican shirt. Mexican fans just mad he finished their world cup dreams,” said one fan.

Another wrote: “We are just very passionate and we go out of our way for football. Messi was taking off his boots and he didn’t even realise he could have kicked his shirt!”

Defeat would have left Argentina on the brink of an early World Cup exit following their opening group stage defeat to Saudi Arabia last week.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 26: Fans are seen during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Mexico at Lusail Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Mohammed Dabbous/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Mexico fans cheer on ther team against Argentina. (Getty Images)

“We needed this euphoria,” Messi said afterwards. “The days were very long, and we were eager to have the chance to turn it around. It was a critical game. [Winning] was a weight off our shoulders, and we now have peace of mind.

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“The first half was difficult due to the situation and the need to win. We couldn't find spaces.

“In the second half, we started playing our game and doing what we stand for. … The goal changed the game.”

Argentina next take on Poland in their last group game, while Mexico take on Saudi Arabia. Poland are top of the four-strong group on four points, with Argentina and Saudi Arabia sitting on three points.

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