Lionel Messi became the center of a viral moment following Inter Miami’s 2-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. As he made his way off the pitch, visibly frustrated by the result, a fan provoked him by waving a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey, sparking a reaction that quickly spread across social media.

“Go Watch Him in Arabia”

According to multiple videos posted on platforms like TikTok and X, Messi stopped briefly when he noticed the jersey and replied with noticeable irritation:

“Go watch him in Arabia, go see him there,” Messi allegedly said, referencing Cristiano Ronaldo’s current stint with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

The incident occurred right after the match ended, as Messi walked toward the locker rooms at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, following a tough night where Inter Miami struggled and saw their chances of reaching the final take a major hit.

Mixed Reactions Among Fans

The scene sparked a wave of mixed opinions. Some fans sympathized with Messi, viewing his response as an understandable reaction to a direct provocation after a painful defeat. Others criticized the Argentine star’s demeanor, arguing that he should have ignored the taunt.

Inter Miami Faces an Uphill Battle

Inter Miami must now overturn the deficit in the second leg, scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The team, led by Messi, will need a strong performance to keep their dream alive and advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup final.