During a Clasico match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Argentine superstar Messi clinched a dramatic stoppage-time winner, securing a 3-2 victory for the visitors. Overcome with emotion, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner removed his jersey and held it up in front of the home crowd, emphasizing his name and number to everyone present. This iconic celebration has since become legendary in football history.
Argentine streamer Ibai emulated his compatriot’s famous gesture during a boxing exhibition in Madrid. After winning his bout against Guanyar, Ibai seized the opportunity to hold up a Barcelona jersey, reminding the Madrid fans of a moment they would rather forget.
While Ibai’s actions drew plenty of jeers, there were also cheers from the crowd. Messi departed Spanish football in 2021, joining Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, and now plays for Inter Miami in the MLS, where he has become the most decorated player of all time in the United States.