LIONEL MESSI left rival fans stunned as he trolled them during an Inter Miami celebration.
Messi, 37, was back in action with his Major League Soccer outfit in a pre-season friendly.
The clash came against Mexican giants Club America in Las Vegas.
The Argentine netted his side's opener in the 34th minute by heading home from close range to level the score at 1-1.
However, he appeared to aim a dig at fans of Club America after being the subject of taunts and boos during the first half an hour of the game.
And after scoring Messi was seen pointing to his club crest before holding his hand up and gesturing with three fingers up.
He then followed this up by moving his hand into what looked a zero shape.
This was likely to indicate Argentina's three World Cup triumphs - including the 2022 victory in which Messi captained his nation and the 1986 tournament hosted in Mexico - compared to the Mexico's tally of none.
Messi is generally known for being reserved on the pitch and letting his football do the talking, but is more than capable of a vicious dig towards rivals.
Reacting on social media, fans were left stunned by Messi's gesture, claiming it left his rival supporters "traumatised".
One said: "That was so unlike him LOL I’m in shock ahahah."
A second said: "He’s actually telling Mexican fans that Argentina has three stars and they have zero. This is a new Messi.
A third added: "New exciting side of Messi after years of being humble…kind of cool actually."
Another said: "Savage GOAT."
Inter went on to win the game 3-2 on penalties after a final score of 2-2.
Messi joined the David-Beckham-owned franchise in 2023 on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
He has scored 34 goals and added 18 assists in 39 games, and guided the club to its first-ever trophy with the Leagues Cup in 2023.
Inter Miami will take on New York City in their opening game of the MLS season on February 22.
Weebikmsuz
47
some players are HUMBLE and they choke other players and they tell weghorst to shut up. other players are ARROGANT and they donate blood to people and are truly hated by the media. hmm 🤔
gudiest01
37
🤫🤐
AKBlanks
19
Just let him do his thing cos he’s been too humble for a long time, after all some players without World Cup and achievements like his celebrates with certain wild gestures
rieabemsuy
16
some players are HUMBLE and they choke other players and they tell weghorst to shut up. other players are ARROGANT and they donate blood to people and are truly hated by the media. hmm 🤔
And they have a WC won while others keep dreaming. Levels to this game.
sanadklpt
13
some players are HUMBLE and they choke other players and they tell weghorst to shut up. other players are ARROGANT and they donate blood to people and are truly hated by the media. hmm 🤔
Yet players who donates blood also bring rude to opponents n fans especially when they chant messis name... U choose what makes you happy right.. 😂
NeoFlow11
12
some players are HUMBLE and they choke other players and they tell weghorst to shut up. other players are ARROGANT and they donate blood to people and are truly hated by the media. hmm 🤔
And they downplay the achievements of others by claiming they're rigged instead of blaming themselves for failing.
pozacisuyz
10
some players are HUMBLE and they choke other players and they tell weghorst to shut up. other players are ARROGANT and they donate blood to people and are truly hated by the media. hmm 🤔
and they kick other players in the stomach when loosing, and they smash phones when loosing and brake things when upset, and leave interviews arrogantly by throwing mics in the stream and...
ziziuipeo
7
People here criticizing don't know the importance of the 2022 WC group stage match between Argentina & Mexico. Although Argentina came up winning, it certainly did disappoint the Mexican fans. And this may be the reason why they were getting under the nerve of Messi. Still expected Messi to be more professional.
samabckmnr
7
Suddenly Messi becomes wrong after being constantly targeted by those useless fans? Of course Argentina knocked out Mexico in Qatar and eventually won the tournament. There's absolutely nothing those Mexicans can do about it.