Video: Lionel Messi sparks controversy after shouting goal celebration in Atlas player’s face

Inter Miami secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Atlas on Wednesday night in their Leagues Cup opener, with both goals featuring assists from none other than Lionel Messi. The final goal came in stoppage time and sparked a mix of celebration and tension — especially with Matías Cóccaro, who had scored the equalizer for Atlas earlier in the match.

Marcelo Weigandt netted the game-winner after a brilliant Messi pass that cut through the Atlas defense. Following the VAR-confirmed goal, Messi celebrated the moment passionately — running straight to Cóccaro and yelling in his face while embracing new teammate Rodrigo De Paul.

The outburst wasn’t random: just minutes earlier, Cóccaro had taunted Inter Miami fans by celebrating his goal for the 1-1 draw in front of them.

Tensions didn’t last long. After the final whistle, Messi approached Cóccaro, who greeted him with a smile and open arms. The two shared a long embrace, exchanged handshakes, and Messi offered him his jersey as a parting gift — turning a fiery exchange into a classy moment of mutual respect.

Cóccaro later explained the interaction:
“When we scored to make it 1-1, I hyped up my teammates, and Messi took it personally. Then, after their second goal, he yelled it right at me. But once the game ended, we hugged it out. I told him, ‘What can I even say to you?’ I’m a competitor — I always want to win. He understood that and said, ‘I’ll send you the jersey.’ That kind of apology says a lot about him. I’m at peace with the image he left me.”

He added:
“He got that I’m here to defend the Atlas shirt with everything I’ve got — that’s just how I play. That’s why he celebrated the way he did. But then he came over to apologize, even though he didn’t need to. That just makes him even greater. He’s the best of all time. I wouldn’t back down to anyone — except him. And Luis Suárez, who’s my idol.”

Cóccaro walked through the mixed zone after the match proudly holding Messi’s jersey — smiling wide after an unforgettable night.