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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"970d5d71-c31e-4dc9-aa1b-233e9257fa80","competitionId":"2hsidwomhjsaaytdy9u5niyi4"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Argentine back in action for Inter Miami</li><li>Responded to jeers during Las Vegas friendly</li><li>Former foe disappointed at Messi's behaviour</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Lack of professionalism' - Lionel Messi called out by ex-Mexico rival after Inter Miami & Argentina superstar aimed World Cup taunt at Club America fans

<p>The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was back in action for 2025 when lining up for Inter Miami in a friendly date with Club America. The meeting between ambitious outfits from MLS and Liga MX took place in Las Vegas, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/javier-mascherano-era-inter-miami-win-club-america-lionel-messi-mls-liga-mx-alejandro-zendejas-usmnt-argentina-las-vegas/bltdbb391869ac68b35" target="_blank">Messi and Co. prevailing in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 draw</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>During the first half of the encounter, Messi indulged in some playful banter with Mexican fans. After being jeered by those in the stands, the Argentine <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-cheeky-world-cup-jibe-mexican-fans-inter-miami-pre-season/blt24a92073892875e1" target="_blank">held up three fingers – referencing the number of times that his country have claimed the World Cup</a> – before pointing out that Mexico have no triumphs to their name.</p><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New Messi celly just dropped 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/nHlpF3sD7Q">pic.twitter.com/nHlpF3sD7Q</a></p>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1880831362359230891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
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THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Messi’s antics have not been well received by former Mexico international Adolfo ‘Bofo’ Bautista, with a message being sent in the Argentine’s direction on Instagram. In that, Bautista said: “To involve my country speaks to your lack of professionalism and education.”</p><picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blte7f047716f0f56f9/bautista%20messi.jpg?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blte7f047716f0f56f9/bautista%20messi.jpg?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blte7f047716f0f56f9/bautista%20messi.jpg?format=jpg" alt="Adolfo Bautista Lionel Messi World Cup taunt" data-source="Instagram" data-copyright="Instagram" data-portal-copyright="Instagram" perform:prop="uuid:blte7f047716f0f56f9;width:459;height:732"></picture>

WHAT BOFO BAUTISTA SAID

<p>Bautista accompanied his post with an image of him at the 2010 World Cup playing against Argentina, which sees Messi being left in a crumpled heap on the turf. Inter Miami will have more meetings with Mexican outfits to come in the 2025 campaign as they <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-wants-mls-cup-win-inter-miami-star-vows-come-back-stronger-play-off-heartache-herons-2024/blt2549de8b8cf2103e#cs412c7f6862f419e9" target="_blank">ready themselves for Leagues Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup competition</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & INTER MIAMI?

'Lack of professionalism' - Lionel Messi called out by ex-Mexico rival after Inter Miami & Argentina superstar aimed World Cup taunt at Club America fans | Goal.com

Lionel Messi has seen his “professionalism” called into question by a former rival after aiming a World Cup taunt at Mexican supporters.

&apos;Lack of professionalism&apos; - Lionel Messi called out by ex-Mexico rival after Inter Miami &amp; Argentina superstar aimed World Cup taunt at Club America fans

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