Adolfo Bautista Criticizes Messi Over Controversial Gesture Towards Mexico
Former Mexico international Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista has strongly criticized Lionel Messi, accusing the Argentine football legend of lacking professionalism and proper conduct.
Bautista’s remarks came after Messi’s behavior during Inter Miami’s pre-season friendly against Club America on January 18. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, with Inter Miami eventually winning 3-2 in a shootout.
During the match, Messi scored a goal in the 34th minute. Afterward, he appeared to mock Club America fans — and by extension, Mexico — with a controversial hand gesture.
The gesture involved Messi showing the fans three fingers to reference Argentina’s World Cup victories. He then made a zero with his hand to indicate that Mexico has never won a World Cup.
Bautista, who had previously admired Messi as a player, expressed his disapproval on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself with Messi on the pitch and tagging the Argentina captain. In his post (translated via Google Translate), Bautista wrote:
“I admired you as a player. But messing with my country speaks of your lack of professionalism and education.”
Bautista and Messi have only faced each other once on the field — during the 2010 FIFA World Cup round of 16, where Argentina defeated Mexico 3-1.
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