Why Did Messi Show His Shirt to Madrid Fans?

By Anna Duncan

On October 24th, 2021, Lionel Messi scored a crucial goal against Real Madrid in the El Clasico match. However, it was not just the goal that caught everyone’s attention.

Messi celebrated his goal by lifting his shirt and showing a message to the opposing fans. The gesture left many wondering what was the reason behind it.

The Message on the Shirt

The message on Messi’s shirt read “Maradona 10”. It was a tribute to his fellow Argentine and football legend, Diego Maradona. Maradona passed away in November 2020, and Messi has often expressed his admiration for him.

The Significance of El Clasico

El Clasico is one of the biggest rivalries in football, with Barcelona and Real Madrid facing off against each other multiple times every season. The matches are watched by millions of fans around the world and are often highly charged affairs.

When Barcelona plays Real Madrid, there is always an extra edge to the game. The clubs have a long-standing rivalry that goes beyond football, with political and cultural differences between Catalonia (Barcelona’s home region) and Madrid adding to the intensity.

Messi’s Relationship with Real Madrid Fans

Messi has been playing for Barcelona since he was 13 years old, making him a longtime rival of Real Madrid. Despite this rivalry, Messi has always maintained a cordial relationship with Real Madrid fans.

However, over the past few years, there have been incidents where Messi has been subjected to abuse from sections of the crowd during El Clasico matches. This abuse has ranged from derogatory chants to objects being thrown at him.

The Impact of Messi’s Gesture

Messi’s gesture was an emotional tribute to Maradona but also served as a subtle response to those who had been abusing him. It was a way for Messi to show that he would not be intimidated or affected by their behavior.

The gesture also highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and respect in football. Messi’s tribute to Maradona transcended the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, reminding everyone that football is about more than just winning or losing.

Conclusion

Messi’s gesture during the El Clasico match was a poignant tribute to Diego Maradona, but it also had a deeper significance. It was a reminder of the importance of respect and sportsmanship in football and showed that even bitter rivals can come together to honor a shared love for the game.