Lionel Messi faces ban as furious Mexican politician submits motion in World Cup row

Lionel Messi helped knock Mexico out of the World Cup in Qatar.

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could sensationally be banned from Mexico as the row over him allegedly kicking Mexican shirt rumbles on. A politician has called on the parliament to declare the iconic forward ‘persona-non-grata’, effectively barring Messi from ever entering the country. 

Maria Clemente Garcia Moreno, an influential campaigner, has tabled a motion for the official condemnation of the Argentina captain. Mexicans raged after Messi appeared to kick away a Mexico shirt after Argentina beat the nation in their final group stage clash and subsequently knocked them out of the tournament. 

The document states: “The Chamber of Deputies of the Honorable Congress of the Union respectfully urges the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue the corresponding Declaration in order to declare persona non grata within of the territory of the United Mexican States to the citizen of Argentine and Spanish nationality, Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccitini, due to his manifest contempt and lack of respect towards Mexico during the World Cup of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) on Saturday, November 26, 2022.”

Messi swapped shirts with Mexico captain Andreas Guardado after the game, in which the 35-year-old PSG ace scored and assisted. But during Argentina’s post-match celebrations in their dressing room, Messi was filmed appearing to boot away the jersey.

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Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi faces being barred from Mexico after the World Cup (Image: GETTY IMAGES)

The move prompted high-profile boxer Canelo Alvarez to threaten the former Barcelona striker. Alvarez slammed Messi for being ‘disrespectful’ but later apologised when it was explained that it was an accident. 

Quizzed on the kick after Alvarez’s bizarre social media outburst, Messi told journalists: “Anyone who knows me knows that I never disrespect anyone. I don't have to apologise because I did not disrespect the Mexico shirt or anyone.”

Argentina defeated Mexico 2-1 to sail through to the World Cup last-16, while their opponents crashed out of the competition. But Messi’s actions angered Mexicans and Moreno’s motion will effectively ban him from the country if it is passed. 

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Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi helped Argentina defeat Mexico in the World Cup (Image: GETTY IMAGES)

Boxer Alvarez warned Messi: “He better pray to God that I don’t find him!!”

But the undisputed middleweight champion later apologised after taking on Argentine journalists and Messi’s former team-mate, Sergio Aguero. “These last few days I got carried away by the passion and love I feel for my country and made comments that were out of place for which I want to apologise to Messi and the people of Argentina. Every day we learn something new and this time it was my turn,” the 32-year-old wrote.

Messi is now preparing for Argentina’s quarter-final clash with the Netherlands. His goal was part of a 2-1 victory over Australia in the last-16. The Barca legend has scored three goals during the World Cup in Qatar and has dragged Lionel Scaloni’s side on from their shock opening game defeat by Saudi Arabia.

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