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.

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.

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.

Lionel Messi's goal celebration during Inter Miami's friendly against Club América sparked significant controversy. Facing relentless jeers from Mexican fans, Messi responded with a provocative gesture referencing Argentina's superior World Cup record.

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.

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

The match against America is the first of five preseason dates for Inter Miami on its “Americas Tour”. The team will play games in Peru, Panama and Honduras over the next few weeks and end the tour in Tampa against Orlando City on Valentine’s Day.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said he has given little importance to Lionel Messi 's provocative celebration following his goal against Club América on Saturday, before claiming that Liga MX teams have always been "hostile" against Argentinians.

Lionel Messi has caused controversy following Inter Miami's penalty shoot-out win over Club America in a preseason friendly, leading to criticism from an ex-rival

Inter Miami may have only been back in preseason play for about five days or so but Lionel Messi didn't need long to score his first goal of 2025 facing Club America in Las Vegas or to show off a unique celebration.

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.