Canelo, the undisputed super-middleweight champion and proud Mexican, was left furious after Argentina beat Mexico in the group stages of the competition, taking aim at Lionel Messi.
After a 2-0 win for Argentina, dressing room footage after the match showed a Mexican shirt discarded on the floor in front of Messi while he and his teammates celebrated the victory.
As the Paris Saint-Germain star kicked off his boot, he inadvertently kicked the Mexican shirt, with Canelo warning Messi ‘he better pray to God that I don’t find him’.
Canelo later apologised to Messi, admitting his comments were ‘out of place’ after a number of players, including Mexico captain Andres Guardado, explained it is normal for swapped shirts to be left on the ground in order for them to be washed.
And showing there are no hard feelings, Canelo congratulated Argentina following their thrilling penalty shootout win over defending champions France, writing on Twitter: ‘Congratulations Argentina, they deserved it.’
Stars of Brazilian football have also put aside their old rivalry with Argentina to congratulate La Albiceleste and in particular, Lionel Messi.
Legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo hailed the PSG star after he captained his side to World Cup glory, insisting the veteran’s brilliance puts any rivalries aside.
‘This guy’s football throws any rivalry to the corner.
‘I saw a lot of Brazilians – and people from all over the world – rooting for Messi in this electrifying final.
‘A farewell worthy of the genius who, far beyond being a World Cup star, captained an era. Congratulations Messi!’
Current Brazil star Neymar was watching on from home following Brazil’s elimination at the quarter-final stage to Croatia.
After watching him end his long wait to lift the World Cup, Neymar was quick to congratulate his ‘brother’ and PSG teammate on Instagram, sharing a picture of Messi kissing the trophy.
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