Famous boxer Canelo Alvarez has now explained why it was important for him to apologise to Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
During the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina claimed a 2-0 win over Mexico, with Messi getting on the scoresheet.
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After that match, a video of Messi seemingly kicking a Mexico shirt in the changing room did the rounds on social media, and it evidently incensed boxing star Alvarez, who hails from the North American nation.
Alvarez took to X, telling his followers: "He [Messi] better pray to God I never find him."
After some backlash online, the middleweight boxer quickly apologised for his outburst, writing on X: "These last few days I got carried away by the passion and love I feel for my country and made comments that were out of place for which I want to apologise to Messi and the people of Argentina. Every day we learn something new, and this time it was my turn."
Now, Alvarez has explained why he felt it was important to apologise to the Inter Miami star.
"You have to admit when you are wrong. It doesn't make you better or worse. You have to admit when you make a mistake," Canelo told Univision Fresno.
"The euphoria of supporting the Mexican team at that moment and to see them losing like that... well, obviously you don't put too much thought into your actions.
"But you have to recognise when you mess up, and that's it."
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While Messi did not respond to the first incident , his close friend and compatriot Sergio Aguero defended him on social media, stating: "Mr. Canelo, don't look for excuses or problems, surely you don't know about football and what happens in a changing room.
"The shirts are always on the floor after games have finished due to sweat, and then if you look properly, he makes the movement to remove his boot and accidentally hits it."
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