"You have to admit when you make a mistake" - Canelo Alvarez reveals why he apologized to Lionel Messi after row during 2022 World Cup

Mexican professional boxer Canelo Alvarez has commented on his spat with Lionel Messi during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has apologized for his comments at that time. Messi'a Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 in the group stages of the tournament and the Argentina captain was seen kicking a Mexico jersey in the dressing room after the game.

Canelo had an outburst on social media after the incident, accusing Messi of disrespecting the Mexican national flag but later apologized for his comments.

Canelo has now explained in detail why he decided to apologize to Lionel Messi and accepted his mistake yet again. He told Univision Frenso (via Express):

"You have to admit when you're wrong. It doesn't make you better or worse. You have to admit when you make a mistake."

He added:

"The euphoria of supporting the Mexican team at the moment and to see them losing like that.... well obviously, you don't put too much thought into your actions. But you have to recognize when you mess up and that's it."

Messi and Argentina went on to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after defeating France on penalties in the final.

Mike Tyson supported Lionel Messi after Canelo Alvarez's comments

Mike Tyson shared a message of support for Lionel Messi after Canelo Alvarez threatened the little magician. Tyson claimed he would have to return to the ring if Canelo did anything to Messi.

After the Mexican pugilist's heated comment, Tyson told BBO Sport:

"Someone called Canelo threatened Messi. If he dares touch Messi, I will have to return to the ring."

Canelo, however, rectified his mistake by apologizing to the Argentine forward. He said (via OneFootball):

“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, for which I want to apologize to Messi and the people of Argentina."

"Every day we learn something new, and this time it was my turn. I wish both teams much success in their matches today, and here we will continue supporting Mexico until the end."

Canelo Alvarez is widely regarded as one of the best boxers to ever grace the squared circle. He was last in action against Jaime Munguia on May 4, recording a victory by unanimous decision.