In the past two years, Vegas has welcomed Taylor Swift and Beyonce to perform at the 65,000-seater Allegiant Stadium, as well as hosting its first Formula One race and Super Bowl LVIII. This weekend, it is the turn of Lionel Messi.

Messi was heckled nonstop by large groups of Club América fans among the crowd of 46,000 at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday night, and there were reports that some of the derogatory chants were of the vulgar and homophobic variety that have led to sanctions against Mexican clubs and the Mexican federation in recent years.

Here's everything you need to know about the beef between Inter Miami star Lionel Messi and fans of Mexico's men's national team.

Inter Miami will face reigning Liga MX champion Club América at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday night. Here's everything you need to know.

Lionel Messi scored a goal and made his presence known throughout the first half as Inter Miami beat Mexican superpower Club America 3-2 on penalty kicks after the teams played to a 2-2 deadlock in regulation on Saturday night.

Lionel Messi is sporting a new haircut this preseason, but otherwise, looked very much like the dangerous reigning MLS MVP as he scored the first Inter Miami goal of 2025 and played 66 minutes in a win against Mexican champion Club America in Las Vegas late Saturday night.

During the match, Checo Pérez proudly displayed his love for football and his lifelong support for Club América. He was spotted greeting players like Igor Lichnovsky and head coach André Jardine, with whom he shares a friendly relationship. At one point, Checo jokingly entrusted his children to América’s players, drawing laughter from those around.

The controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's actions and the subsequent planned protests in Mexico highlight the complex interplay between sports, nationalism, and social media.

Lionel Messi celebrated Inter Miami's equalizer by taunting Club America and Mexico fans for their lack of World Cup success.

Lionel Messi scored a goal, and Inter Miami outlasted the Mexican champions, Club América, in a preseason clash in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Messi faced plenty of backlash from those in Mexico after mocking their lack of World Cup success compared to Argentina's decorated history. Notably, former "El Tri" international Adolfo "Bofo" Bautista called out the Argentinian for a "lack of professionalism and education."

Inter Miami victorious on penalties; 3-0 dominant victory for Nashville over young USMNT side; All other fixtures rounded up