Santiago Ponzinibbio warns Canelo Alvarez for threatening Lionel Messi: “Brother, if you want to fight, I’m ready, but leave Messi be”
The 2022 World Cup has begun with 32 nations battling it out on the pitch for the ultimate prize in Qatar. Following Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Mexico, an unexpected rivalry broke out between boxing star Canelo Alvarez and UFC fighter Santiago Ponzinibbio.
The beef started after a video surfaced on social media of Lionel Messi celebrating his goal and win in the dressing room with his teammates, and amidst the celebrations was a Mexican jersey on the floor. This offended Alvarez so much; he took to Twitter to express his annoyance.
Canelo had some strong words for Messi after seeing his locker room celebration 👀
(via @canelo, nicolasotamendi30/IG) pic.twitter.com/emRRHK1nGO
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) November 28, 2022
Canelo Alvarez threatens soccer star Lionel Messi
“Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag? he asked his followers after following up with a threat to the Soccer legend.
“He better pray to God that I don’t find him.”
Messi is widely considered a national treasure to the Argentina faithful, on par with the late Diego Maradona, so it was no surprise that his fans came to his defence. Among them were UFC veteran Santiago Ponzinibbio, who was born in Argentina.