Two players confront each other on the field during a match; one is wearing a pink uniform and the other a red uniform with the number 6 and the name Yasser on the back.
Messi's header to Ibrahim | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Messi's rude gesture to kick off FIFA's new World Cup is already the most-watched

Messi confronted Yasser Ibrahim and headbutted him. This act of aggression was ignored and should have been sanctioned

by

Alex Moreno

The debut of FIFA's new Club World Cup format left a controversial image. The opening match featured Egypt's Al Ahly against Inter Miami with Leo Messi. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, but the most talked-about aspect wasn't the result.

During a play, Messi was involved in an unsportsmanlike action that has sparked debate on social media. After being fouled, the Argentine confronted center-back Yasser Ibrahim and headbutted his opponent on the nose.

VAR ignored the assault

The action, though clear, wasn't penalized by the referee. It also wasn't reviewed by VAR, despite being an off-the-ball assault, something the rules punish with a straight red card.

Messi's impunity in these types of actions is once again under scrutiny. While cameras captured the moment and fans made the gesture go viral, no major sports media outlet has reported on the incident.

The images are spreading like wildfire on social media such as X (Twitter), TikTok, or Instagram. The video of the assault has become the most notable and discussed aspect of the tournament's first match.

Comparisons with other players

Many users have recalled recent cases of similar sanctions. In particular, they have mentioned the case of Vinicius Júnior, who lost important points in the last Ballon d'Or edition due to his off-field behavior.

In contrast, Messi has 8 Ballon d'Or awards and his behavior on the field is rarely questioned publicly. For many, the difference in treatment is clear.

A player in a pink uniform moves forward with the ball while being surrounded by three opponents in red uniforms during a soccer match.
Messi in the Club World Cup debut | AFP

The episode fuels the perception that certain players receive special treatment from referees and football authorities.

Despite the poor gesture, Messi played the full 90 minutes of the match. Inter Miami will play for a spot against Porto and Palmeiras, but its debut in the World Cup was marked by this controversy.

FIFA, for now, hasn't made an official statement about the action.

Meanwhile, the debate keeps growing on social media. Messi's gesture is already the most viral moment at the start of the tournament. Also the most criticized.

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