Lionel Messi: Why Mexican Politician Wants Messi Banned From Setting Foot in the Country

• Lionel Messi could be denied entry into Mexico if a petition filed by one of the country's politicians is successful
• Maria Clemente Garcia Moreno wants the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner declared a ‘persona non grata’ in a bid to have him barred from entering Mexico
• Maria accused Messi of “lack of respect towards Mexico” after the star forward was filmed 'wiping' the floor with the country's jersey
• The incident is said to have happened in the dressing room shortly after Messi had helped Argentina sink Mexico in the World Cup

A Mexican politician has reportedly tabled a petition calling for the banning of Lionel Messi from setting foot in the country.

Messi landed himself in trouble with the majority of Mexicans after a video surfaced online showing the football star 'kicking' Mexico's jersey in the dressing room.

The incident is understood to have happened shortly after Argentina had sent Mexico packing from the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.

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The two teams faced off in a crunch Group C clash on Saturday, November 26, with Argentina emerging as the victors with a 2-0 comfortable win.

The victory was enough to earn La Albiceleste a spot in the round of 16 as Mexico exited the tournament in the group stages.

Messi is understood to have led Argentina's celebration in the dressing room, with a video surfacing online showing him flicking a Mexico shirt with his foot while he was removing his boot, sparking anger from a majority of Mexicans.

Messi unwanted in Mexico

And just days after the incident, Mexican politician Maria Clemente Garcia Moreno has petitioned the country to ban Messi from entering Mexico.

According to Sportbible, Maria has called for a ‘persona non grata’ against Messi in a bid to stop the PSG ace from entering Mexico.

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“The Chamber of Deputies of the Honorable Congress of the Union respectfully urges the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue the corresponding Declaration in order to declare persona non grata within of the territory of the United Mexican States to the citizen of Argentine and Spanish nationality, Lionel Andres Messi Cuccitini, due to his manifest contempt and lack of respect towards Mexico during the World Cup of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) on Saturday, November 26, 2022," The Sun cited a legal document.

Aguero slams Canelo

Sports Brief had earlier reported that the spat between Lionel Messi and Santos Canelo Alvarez is gaining quick traction, with Sergio Aguero becoming the latest to jump into the feud.

Alvarez was angry after a video showed Messi stepping on a Mexican shirt after Argentina's game against Mexico on November 26 at the Lusail Stadium.

Retired striker and close friend to Messi, Aguero hit back at Canelo's threats by giving insights into what goes on in a dressing room.