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UFC welterweight Santiago Ponzinibbio has come to the defense of Lionel Messi after being threatened by boxing star Canelo.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker scored a stunning goal as the Albiceleste put their World Cup campaign back on track with a 2-0 win over Mexico on Saturday after a shock loss to Saudi Arabia.
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Messi equalized Maradona for World Cup goals with his effort against Mexico
After the game, defender Nicolas Otamendi posted a clip of Messi leading the domestic celebrations in the dressing room.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had a Mexico shirt on the floor and appeared to remove it from his foot as he sat down.
Proud Mexican Canelo disputed this and called out Messi on Twitter, he wrote: “Did you see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and our flag?
“He better pray to God that I don’t find him. Just as I respect Argentina, he must respect Mexico! I’m not talking about the country as a whole, just the bullshit Messi has done.
Messi has been championed by many including former Argentina teammate Sergio Aguero and now he’s backed by Ponzinibbio who is due to fight Robbie Lawler at UFC 282 on December 10.
“No need to threaten Messi. Everyone knows Messi’s career. Whether [Canelo] doesn’t know he shouldn’t say anything,” the Argentinian UFC star told MMA Fighting.
A clip of Messi has Canelo furious
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Argentinian UFC fighter Santiago Ponzinibbio ready to defend compatriot
“It’s normal for players to throw shirts on the ground, they’re all sweaty, but he didn’t do anything disrespectful. Anyone who knows Messi knows he’s an impeccable athlete and a very respectful person. “
Ponzinibbio has warned Canelo that going after Messi has serious consequences.
“[Messi] had a great game. I was angry. Brother, if you want to fight, I’m ready, but leave Messi alone,” he added. “You play with Messi, you play with all of Argentina. Don’t bother the kid.
The undisputed super middleweight champion is coming off a trilogy win over his biggest rival Gennady Golovkin who he easily edged out in September after their super competitive fights in 2017 and 2018.
Canelo has yet to book his next fight but is believed to be interested in a rematch with Dmitry Bivol who shockingly beat him when they clashed for the WBA light heavyweight title in May. .
