Lionel Messi sparked backlash on Thursday after the Inter Miami star was photographed with Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Gov. DeSantis was at the Inter Miami facility to announce an $8million injection into Miami-Dade County as the team builds its new stadium.
And as part of the visit, the Florida Governor held a meeting with the Argentine superstar, who is Inter Miami’s captain and MLS‘ biggest star.
However, the photo, which was posted to team owner Jorge Mas’ X account, drew criticism on social media from certain fans – with one claiming Messi had been used as a ‘political prop.’
‘What a horrible post, keep Fútbol clean of politics,’ one wrote. ‘Shameful.
Inter Miami fans were angry after Lionel Messi posed with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
Gov. DeSantis announced that the state was giving $8million to Miami-Dade County to improve roads and other infrastructure around the stadium being built for Inter Miami
‘Don’t make our [goat] a political prop,’ another said.
‘When the managing owners are to grifters — this is not a surprise,’ a different added.
‘Unfollowed,’ a fourth chimed in.
Aside from Messi and Gov. DeSantis, the photo included Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas and Florida’s Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez.
Last year, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill that prevents abortion after six weeks in Florida, while he has also (unsuccessfully) pushed a law that limits diversity and race-based discussions in private workplaces.
Gov. DeSantis, an outspoken opponent of spending state money on sports facilities, announced Thursday that Florida will give $8 million to Miami-Dade County to improve roads and other infrastructure around the stadium being built for Inter Miami.
The Herons’ temporary home is Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, but a 26,700-seat stadium is being built next to Miami International Airport on land leased from the city.
Jorge Mas said the $1 billion project is being privately funded.
The controversial photo op with DeSantis, who previously endorsed Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination after dropping out himself, comes after Messi was called on to apologize for the Argentina national team’s recent racism scandal.
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez filmed a video from the team bus after Argentina had beaten Colombia in the Copa America final, in which members of the team could be heard singing a racist chant referencing the French national team.
Messi is battling an ankle injury and has not played since the Copa America final on July 14
The song, which made its unfortunate debut via fans at the 2022 World Cup, claims that all of France’s players were ‘all from Angola.’
And Argentina’s sports sub-secretary, Julio Garro, encouraged Messi – who is the team’s captain – to apologize afterwards.
Messi has not spoken publicly about the incident, while Fernandez did issue an apology.
The former, who typically stays mum on social issues, told magazine La Garganta Poderosa in 2020: ‘Inequality is one of our society’s biggest problems and we must fight to correct that as soon as possible.’
Messi has not played since July 14, when his Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final.
He left the game with an ankle injury and has yet to return to action for Inter Miami, who nonetheless have a five-point lead atop the Eastern Conference standings.
The Herons also defeated Toronto FC 4-3 in the Leagues Cup round of 32 on Thursday.
