Santiago Ponzinibbio has defended Lionel Messi following scathing criticism from boxer Canelo Alvarez
UFC welterweight star Santiago Ponzinibbio has warned boxing icon Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez that he’s choosing a struggle he can’t win in his scathing criticism of footballer Lionel Messi.
A number of-time boxing world champion Canelo appeared to take appreciable umbrage with footage that appeared on-line following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup win in opposition to his native Mexico, which appeared to point out Messi wiping his ft on the dressing room flooring with a Mexican jersey after Argentina’s 2-Zero win on Saturday.
An aggrieved Canelo tweeted shortly after the match that Messi was “cleansing the ground with our flag” after the sport by which the PSG ahead opened the scoring within the Group C encounter.
He added in a tweet which has since been deleted that Messi ought to “ask God that I don’t discover him,” which prompted the veteran UFC fighter to inform Canelo that he was insulting your entire nation of Argentina.
“I used to be pissed,” Ponzinibbio stated to MMA Combating.
“No level threatening Messi. All people is aware of Messi’s profession. If [Canelo] doesn’t know he shouldn’t say a factor. It’s regular for gamers to throw jerseys on the bottom, they’re all sweaty, however he didn’t do something disrespectful. All people that is aware of Messi is aware of he’s an impeccable athlete and a really respectful individual.”
Canelo had some robust phrases for Messi after seeing his locker room celebration 👀
(by way of @canelo, nicolasotamendi30/IG) pic.twitter.com/emRRHK1nGO
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) November 28, 2022
Ponzinibbio, who has amassed a powerful 28-6 file in combined martial arts, added that if Canelo is in search of a struggle, he could be greater than keen to defend the glory of his nation’s most beloved athlete.
“I used to be upset,” he defined.
“Brother, if you wish to struggle, I’m prepared, however depart Messi be. You mess with Messi, you mess with your entire Argentina. Don’t trouble the child.”
First issues first for Ponzinibbio, nonetheless, as he is because of tackle former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in what guarantees to be a bruising encounter at subsequent month’s bumper UFC 282 card in Las Vegas.
After that? Who is aware of – significantly if Canelo takes goal at Messi as soon as once more following Argentina’s Wednesday conflict with Poland.
Mexico additionally tackle Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, with wins for each Argentina and Mexico making certain their passage to the knockout levels in Qatar.