Argentine UFC fighter Santiago Ponzinibbio comes out in defense of Lionel Messi in light of threats by Canelo Alvarez 

UFC welterweight contender Santiago Ponzinibbio recently warned Mexican boxing star, Canelo Alvarez, not to threaten football legend Lionel Messi.

Following Argentina's recent win against Mexico in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022, a video of Messi celebrating the victory in the locker room with the entire team surfaced online. In the video, a Mexican team jersey can be seen lying on the floor next to Messi.

Seeing his national jersey lying on the floor, Canelo took to his official Twitter handle to throw some strong words toward the football star.

Check out the now-deleted tweet below:

Reacting to the entire incident, Argentine UFC fighter Santiago Ponzinibbio stood out in defense of Lionel Messi.

Appearing in an interview with MMA Fighting, the UFC welterweight claimed that Messi did not indulge in any disrespectful acts, as it is pretty normal for players to throw sweaty jerseys on the ground after a match.

Claiming Messi to be an "impeccable and respectful" person, the 'Argentine Dagger' said:

“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.”

Ponzinibbio continued:

“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.”

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Santiago Ponzinibbio's run in the UFC so far

Argentine fighter Santiago Ponzinibbio made his debut in the promotion in 2013 at UFC Fight Night 32, where he fought Ryan LaFlare and lost via decision. His next fight was a knockout win against Wendell de Oliveira the following year.

The 'Argentine Dagger' has also secured wins against notable fighters like Sean Strickland and Neil Magny.

Ponzinibbio currently holds an MMA record of 28 wins, with 14 of them coming in the first round. He also boasts 15 knockout wins to his name.

Santiago Ponzinibbio, currently on a two-fight losing streak, is preparing to fight Robbie Lawler at UFC 282. The event is set to take place on December 10 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

A vacant light heavyweight title fight between Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev will headline the event.