For two decades, Lionel Messi has been portrayed as the humble, quiet genius—a stark contrast to the passionate, fiery characters often found in elite football. His persona as the seemingly faultless protagonist has become a cornerstone of his legendary image. However, beneath the calm exterior lies an intensely competitive spirit capable of manifesting moments of raw temper, arrogance, and controversy.
Here are eight key instances when the football world got a rare glimpse of Messi’s aggressive and impatient nature:
1. The Headbutt and the Choke
In a 2015 pre-season friendly against AS Roma, Messi had an uncharacteristic meltdown. After being provoked by Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Messi snapped, initiating a confrontation that involved bumping heads with the defender and briefly grabbing his throat. It was a shocking display of visible fury, earning him a yellow card and highlighting that even the "GOAT" is susceptible to losing his cool when challenged physically.
2. The Infamous Wout Weghorst Clash
The quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup between Argentina and the Netherlands was an explosion of tension. Following Argentina’s win, Messi stopped his post-match interview to shout at Dutch striker Wout Weghorst, famously calling him an "Idiot" ("¿Qué mirás, bobo?"). The remark immediately went viral, showing a sharp, almost aggressive side of Messi usually reserved only for on-pitch intensity.
3. Disrespecting the Mexico Shirt
The tension from the 2022 World Cup extended beyond the pitch. A viral video from the Argentine dressing room showed Messi celebrating the win over Mexico by lightly kicking a Mexico shirt that lay on the floor while taking off his boots. Though Messi claimed it was unintentional, the incident sparked outrage, particularly from Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez, who saw it as a profound insult to his country's flag and symbol.
4. The Tax Fraud Conviction
In a much more serious off-field matter, Messi and his father, Jorge, were found guilty of tax fraud in 2016 following the Panama Papers leak. They were handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence and massive fines. While the conviction didn't pertain to his on-field behavior, it revealed a significant and costly lapse in judgment regarding financial compliance, severely tarnishing his public image.
5. First (and Only) Barcelona Red Card
In 520 appearances for Barcelona, Messi received only one red card, coming in the final moments of the 2021 Spanish Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao. After losing possession in extra time, a frustrated Messi swung his arm at opposing striker Asier Villalibre. The direct red card was a clear sign of his rising frustration and desperation in a match where his team was losing.
6. The Conflict with Antoine Griezmann’s Circle
In 2020, Eric Olhats, the former advisor of then-teammate Antoine Griezmann, publicly claimed that Messi wielded excessive power at Barcelona. Olhats alleged that Messi was unhappy with Griezmann’s arrival and exhibited a "deplorable attitude," making the French forward feel unwelcome. While Olhats later retracted the statement, it fueled long-standing rumors that Messi’s quiet nature could mask an intimidating, proprietary control over the club’s locker room dynamics.
7. Snubbing the PSG Crowd
Messi's two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain was famously turbulent. Following a home loss to Lyon in April 2023, Messi and his teammates were met with whistles and boos from the PSG supporters. In a departure from typical protocol, Messi walked directly down the tunnel, neglecting the usual custom of acknowledging the fans. His apparent indifference in the face of fan discontent further aggravated the rift with the Parisian faithful.
8. The Van Gaal Stare-Down
The clash with Louis van Gaal at the 2022 World Cup was not accidental. The rivalry dated back to 2014 when the Dutch coach had criticized Messi. After Argentina secured the semi-final spot, Messi aggressively sought out Van Gaal on the sidelines, shouting and gesturing mockingly by holding his hands to his ears in a taunt—a rare, calculated act of revenge and defiance from the usually reserved superstar.
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