“Most hated guy in Portugal now” - Fans react as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate spotted in stadium to watch Lionel Messi lift Copa America
Fans expressed their opinions on social media as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate Joao Felix was spotted at the 2024 Copa America final, where Lionel Messi-led Argentina lifted the title. La Albiceleste defeated Colombia 1-0 on July 14, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Earlier this month, Joao Felix had received intense criticism as he was the only player to miss a penalty during the shootout in Portugal's quarter-final clash against France in Euro 2024. The 5-3 loss on penalties led to the Selecao's elimination from this year's European Championships.
Football fans on X took Joao Felix's presence at the 2024 Copa America final as evidence of his support for Lionel Messi and poked fun at the Portuguese forward. Here are some of their reactions:
One fan wrote:
"After failing his own country. He's probably the most hated guy in Portugal right now. Guy is a Messi fan for sure."
Another added:
"He's the biggest messi fan boy."
"Lmao this is what you call a double agent. Have to respect it," chimed in another fan.
Another posted:
"Legend."
"He came to witness the signs and wonders of the magical Messi," posted another.
One user wrote:
"Missing the only penalty that gets your team knocked out of the EUROs, then going to America and getting the GOAT injured is nasty work. Football hasn't seen a bigger jinx than this guy."
While another wrote:
"That must have been an incredible experience for Joao Felix! Witnessing Messi and Argentina clinch the Copa America at the Hard Rock Stadium is a memory he won't forget."
Lionel Messi won his second Copa America title with Argentina on Sunday, with the first one coming in 2021.
Pedro Mendes speaks about 'dream' ending to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's careers
Former Portugal midfielder Pedro Mendes spoke about an ideal future where Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo end their careers together at the same club. However, the former Porto star also mentioned that it would probably never happen.
In an interview with BoyleSports, Mendes said (via GOAL):
"If Cristiano Ronaldo joined Inter Miami it would be amazing for the fans and incredible for football in America. It would mean that the two best players in the history and future of football, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would finish their careers together which would be a dream come true. However, I can't see it happening. It would be very difficult."
Lionel Messi also recently won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions with Argentina.