Matías Cóccaro on Lionel Messi’s fiery celebration and what happened after:


Matías Cóccaro on Lionel Messi’s fiery celebration and what happened after:

“Right after we scored the equalizer, the adrenaline was rushing. We were pumped, and I could feel the shift in momentum. I started firing up my teammates — getting loud, showing energy — trying to spark something. In the heat of that moment, I even said a few provocative things in Messi’s direction. It wasn’t anything too crazy, but it was part of that competitive fire. We were hunting for the winning goal, and I thought maybe throwing him off a little might help us push through.

But then… Messi did what Messi does. Just minutes later, Inter Miami struck back. They scored again, and suddenly the stadium erupted. Next thing I know, Messi’s running right toward me, eyes locked in, and he lets all that passion out — celebrating directly in my face. There was no mistaking it — it was personal. Not in a disrespectful way, but in a “don’t poke the GOAT” kind of way.

And what could I do? I couldn’t react. I couldn’t say a word. I just stood there — silenced by the weight of the moment and the man in front of me. I mean, come on… it’s Lionel Messi. The greatest to ever touch a football. When he responds like that, you don’t talk back — you just take it, laugh, and respect it.

But the part that really blew me away? After the final whistle, when everything had calmed down, Messi came over to me. He hugged me, looked me in the eye, and apologized for the way he celebrated. He said he got caught up in the intensity and emotions of the match. That kind of humility… that kind of humanity — coming from someone of his stature? It’s unreal.

That moment taught me a lot. He could’ve walked off, head high, and no one would’ve questioned him. But instead, he showed what a true sportsman he is. When someone like Messi takes the time to do that — to acknowledge you, to own up, to show respect — you realize why he’s not just the best player in the world… but also one of the most admirable people in the game.

I’ll never forget that moment. Total respect for the greatest of all time.”


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