Lionel Messi found himself at the crosshairs of controversy once again, this time during Inter Miami’s painful exit from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine icon’s brief but fiery confrontation with PSG midfielder Vitinha sparked widespread criticism, raising eyebrows across the football world and casting a shadow over the knockout clash.
Flashpoint: Lionel Messi vs. Vitinha
The tension unfolded during the round of 16 clash when PSG’s Vitinha effortlessly skipped past Messi with the ball, maintaining possession with ease. In response, Messi appeared to lash out with a flailing arm—an action widely perceived as retaliation and poor sportsmanship. The moment, although brief, quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with many fans slamming the veteran for what they deemed unsportsmanlike conduct.
What made the incident even more personal was the history between the two players. Lionel Messi and Vitinha previously shared a locker room during their time together at PSG, and rumors of friction between them had long circulated—though Vitinha has publicly denied any rift in the past.
Fans react harshly: "Messi is finished"
The football community did not hold back. Social media erupted with fans—many commenting in French (translated here to English)—voicing their disapproval of Messi’s behavior. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
"Lionel Messi is a terrible player, don’t make me swear!"
Another chimed in,
"Messi is finished. It makes him angry to see Vitinha playing at this level."
One more added with brutal candor,
"Vitinha gave Messi a masterclass today."
And perhaps the most cutting of all:
"This guy has really become detestable!"
The fan sentiment reflected a growing unease with Messi's temperament, suggesting that the 37-year-old may be struggling with frustration in high-pressure moments as Inter Miami continue to chase global relevance.
Post-match gesture calms the storm
Despite the heated exchange, cooler heads prevailed by full-time. PSG's official social media account posted a photo of Lionel Messi and Vitinha embracing at the final whistle—a gesture that hinted at reconciliation and mutual respect. Whether that moment of sportsmanship is enough to calm the critics, however, remains uncertain.
Vitinha’s impressive performance didn’t go unnoticed either. Now a central figure under Luis Enrique’s system, the Portuguese midfielder played a key role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign and continues to shine—especially in matches like this one.
A telling sign of frustration?
For Lionel Messi, the incident marks a rare moment of visible frustration in a career often defined by composure and brilliance. But as Inter Miami struggles on the international stage, it could also signal the emotional toll such defeats are beginning to take on the footballing legend.
Only time will tell if this outburst was an isolated spark—or a sign of deeper frustrations bubbling beneath the surface.