Messi faced plenty of backlash from those in Mexico after mocking their lack of World Cup success compared to Argentina's decorated history. Notably, former "El Tri" international Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista called out the Argentinian for a "lack of professionalism and education."

Inter Miami's president of football operations, Raúl Sanllehí is no longer in charge of sporting matters, and has been replaced by the Herons academy director, Guillermo Hoyos, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Sanllehi’s duties have been reassigned to the club’s academy director Guillermo Hoyos, a long-time confidant and former academy coach of Inter Miami captain and former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. GiveMeSport’s Tom Bogert first reported news of Sanllehi’s reassignment.

Lionel Messi got on the scoresheet Saturday as Inter Miami opened ... in front in the 52nd minute at the Allegiant Stadium to make it 2-1. New Miami coach Javier Mascherano removed Messi from the field on 66 minutes in a flurry of second-half substitutions.

A sellout crowd of 80,000 is expected at Estadio Monumental in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday night as Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates play a preseason game against Universitario.

Inter Miami forwards Fafa Picault, left, Lionel Messi and head coach Javier Mascherano walk during a soccer practice session, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Credit: AP/Marta Lavandier Inter Miami tied the game two minutes into stoppage ...

The Athletic confirmed the Sanllehi-Messi incident via an anonymous club source. Inter Miami issued a statement saying that the Sanllehi decision was "pre-planned" and not a response to the exchange on the bus, per the original report from GiveMeSport’s Tom Bogert.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami fell short of their goals in 2024, so the 2025 season will be all about redemption.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said he has given little importance to Lionel Messi 's provocative celebration following his goal against Club América on Saturday, before claiming that Liga MX teams have always been "hostile" against Argentinians.

Inter Miami may have only been back in preseason play for about five days or so but Lionel Messi didn't need long to score his first goal of 2025 facing Club America in Las Vegas or to show off a unique celebration.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami take on Club América in a preseason clash. Here is the time and how to watch all of the action.