World Cup season is in full swing and, as much as the circumstances surrounding the 2022 tournament are controversial, it always draws you in.

Football has an insane reach around the world and almost everyone takes an interest in what goes on. Passions can run high, especially when the group stage nears its end and each game has extra ramifications for the future.

This was certainly the case when Argentina took on Mexico last Saturday.

The Argentines, who had suffered a shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia in their first group stage match, were desperate for the points against a tricky Mexico side. The game itself was extremely tense, but once Messi opened the scoring and Enzo Fernandez doubled the lead, Argentina secured the win they were looking for.

It was a win worth celebrating, though, scenes from the dressing room certainly caused a stir online.

What is the Lionel Messi & Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez beef?

The victorious group of players were singing in unison, but many people noticed Lionel Messi motion his leg in a way that could be seen as a kick to the Mexican shirt.

Obviously, it’s never good to do anything which could cause offence, but when the person taking offence is world class boxer Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, it’s fair to say that the situation could easily get out of hand.

Canelo tweeted about Messi, saying he should ‘ask God that I don’t find him’, but, in Argentina, Messi is a hero, so it wasn’t long before people leapt to his defence.

Santiago Ponzinibbio, an Argentine UFC fighter, is the latest to offer support to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

UFC fighter defends Messi & goes for Canelo

He spoke to MMA Fighting about his feelings towards the threats Canelo has been making towards Messi.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 09: Santiago Ponzinibbio of Argentina is seen on stage during the UFC 269 press conference at MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 09, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

"I was p*****! No point threatening Messi. Everybody knows Messi’s career. If (Alvarez) doesn’t know he shouldn’t say a thing. It’s normal for players to throw jerseys on the ground, they are all sweaty, but he didn’t do anything disrespectful.

"Everybody that knows Messi knows he’s an impeccable athlete and a very respectful person.

"[Messi] had an excellent match. I was upset. Brother, if you want to fight, I’m ready, but leave Messi be. You mess with Messi, you mess with the entire Argentina. Don’t bother the kid."

It’s true that the whole of Argentina rallies around Messi, who many would argue is the greatest footballer of all time.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 26: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates the final 2-0 result win after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Mexico at Lusail Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

He will be hoping to bring the World Cup back to Argentina for only the third time ever in the coming weeks.

You can find all of the latest UFC news and rumours right here.