Lionel Messi: When He Apologised After Scoring in a Final

• Lionel Messi is known for his trademark ‘point to the sky’ celebration whenever he scores
• However, the forward had a muted celebration when he scored against River Plate in 2015
• The forward was in action for Barcelona during a FIFA Club World Cup final

Lionel Messi is known for passionate and heartfelt celebrations whenever he scores.

The Inter Miami star's signature goal celebration is to point both of his fingers towards the sky with raised arms.

According to talkSPORT, there is a touching reason behind Messi's trademark ‘point to the sky’ celebration.

Back in 2010, the veteran forward explained that the gesture was a dedication to his grandmother Celia Olivera Cuccittini, who passed away when he was 11.

And for a player accustomed to scoring goals for fun, it is unthinkable to imagine him not celebrating one during a match as important as a final.

Lionel Messi's Barcelona return talked down by Inter Miami manager

Football

Messi refuses to celebrate against River Plate

However, back in 2015, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner produced one of the coldest reactions after scoring.

At the time, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace was in action for Barcelona during a FIFA Club World Cup final against River Plate.

Sportbible reports that the 36-year-old was among the goalscorers as Barca hammered the Argentine side 3-0 to lift the title.

Messi opened the scoring for the La Liga giants in the first half, with Luis Suarez scoring a brace in the second half to seal the win.

However, Messi declined to celebrate and instead gestured an apology to River Plate fans, who had made a long trip for the final, only for him to contribute to ruining it by scoring.

"I know how much effort all those fans made in making that trip and how excited they were," he said in a post-match interview when asked about the muted celebration.

Luis Suarez Scores Superb Free Kick for Gremio in Derby Clash in Brazil

Football

Messi reportedly set to win Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief also reported that Messi could win his eighth Ballon d'Or later this month after the male and female award winners for 2023 were 'leaked'.

The 36-year-old achieved the pinnacle of his illustrious football career by leading Argentina to a spectacular FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar last year.