Boxer Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez recently sparked controversy as earlier this week he lashed out at football great Lionel Messi for allegedly stepping on a Mexican national team shirt while celebrating Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Mexico in the 2022 World Cup group stage. Following his remarks, boxing legend Mike Tyson jumped to Messi’s defence, warning Canelo that he would be willing to return to action in a bout against the Mexican boxer.
Mike Tyson warns Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
“Someone called ‘Canelo’ threatened Messi,” Tyson told BBO Sports.
“If he dares to touch Messi, I will have to return to the ring.”
Canelo has already apologized to Messi. The Mexican boxer took to Twitter to indicate that he got carried away, issuing an apology to the Paris Saint-Germain star and people from Argentina.
“These last few days I got carried away by the passion and love I feel for my country and made comments that were out of place so I want to apologize to Messi and the people of Argentina,” Canelo wrote.
“Every day we learn something new and this time it was my turn.”
The PSG forward was asked about Canelo’s comments after Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Poland on Wednesday. Messi stressed that he had no intention to disrespect Mexican people.
“It was a misunderstanding,” he noted.
“Those who know me know that I don’t disrespect anyone. These are things that happen in the dressing room after the game.
“I don’t have to ask for forgiveness because I didn’t disrespect the people of Mexico or the jersey.”
