Lionel Messi’s One and Only Apology to Rival Fans After Scoring
Lionel Messi's humble nature is almost on par with his unmatched football ability and the best example came back in 2015.
Although contracted to Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was recently back at the site of the Camp Nou, a stadium he lit up on many an occasion with his beloved Barcelona - and appeared to accidentally crash an engagement by showing up in the background.
Although shy and timid in his character, Messi has produced many animated celebrations after scoring - particularly in World Cup and Champions League finals.
However, it was not the case in the Club World Cup final nearly a decade ago. Messi lined up for Luis Enrique's Barca side and opened the scoring in a a 3-0 win over River Plate, with Luis Suarez bagging a brace.
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Messi found the net in the 39th minute and though he pointed to the sky, his celebration was somewhat muted in Yokohama.
Messi, who won the Man of the Match award, appeared to raise his hand in an apologetic fashion against the Argentine giants.
In quotes carried by Sport from an interview with FIFA, Messi explained his decision to put his hand up - commenting: "I know how much effort all those fans made in making that trip and how excited they were. And there was me, the Argentinian, scoring the first goal and ruining it all for them. I don’t know if I was actually saying sorry, but it was a type of apology."
The Inter Miami star started out in the youth set-up for River's rivals Newell's Old Boys but never played professional in his native Argentina, who he led to a historic World Cup triumph in 2022.
He added: "I had to leave at a very early age because of my situation and it didn’t happen. I had to go to Europe, start out with Barcelona and make my career there. But I would like to return to Argentinian football one day. What happens after that, only God knows."
Messi received apology from River
Despite the gesture, at passport control in Tokyo following the game, MARCA reported that Messi was spat at by River fans who heckled and insulted him and the rest of his teammates.
It was described as an "unpleasant experience" for Barca's players to be subjected to and a full apology was issued by River.
"In relation to the attack suffered by Lionel Messi at Narita airport, Club Atletico River Plate repudiates any type of violence and offers its apologies to the player and to FC Barcelona," a statement read.
"At the same time, River Plate wishes to congratulate Barcelona for winning the 2015 World Club Cup played in Japan."
Topics: Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona, Argentina, Inter Miami
Josh Lawless