The famous Lionel Messi ‘Bobo’ insult made another appearance during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Peru on Wednesday.
La Albiceleste are on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their latest victory. Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the game after 55 minutes.
Lionel Scaloni’s side sit top of the South American standings after 12 matches on 25 points – five clear of nearest rivals Uruguay.
Messi provided the pass for Martinez’s winner which in turn, set another record for the 37-year-old superstar. Nobody has more international assists to their name than the Argentine captain.
However, that wasn’t the only talking point from the La Bombonera. Messi was involved in a scuffle with Peruvian defender Carlos Zambrano which resulted in a famous phrase resurfacing.
Lionel Messi ‘Bobo’ Insult Aimed Towards Peru Defender
During the cagey affair in Buenos Aires, the Lionel Messi ‘Bobo’ catchphrase received some much needed airtime after almost two years.
After a seemingly innocent coming together between Messi and Carlos Zambrano, the latter appeared to slap Argentina’s all-time record goalscorer.
Messi – who is known for his fiery temper in recent years – responded by calling Zambrano a ‘Bobo’ (idiot). In full, Messi vehemently shouted at his rival: “What are you doing, idiot? What are you doing? What are you doing, fool?”
"¿QUÉ HACÉS, BOBO?" 🤌
El enojo de Messi con Zambrano. #EliminatoriasEnTyCSports. pic.twitter.com/aEAEsFFDBu
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) November 20, 2024
Eagle-eyed supporters will remember a similar outburst involving Wout Weghorst during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After La Albiceleste’s quarter-final win against the Netherlands, Messi unleashed a similar tirade to the forward.
Weghorst was contracted to then Premier League side Burnley at the time scored two late goals to force extra-time. However, the Argentine’s sneaked through on penalties.
During a post-match interview, Messi was being quizzed about the game when he could be seen looking into the distance. He was visibly distracted by something. Or in this case, someone.
Ignoring the questions being posed, Messi started to shout into the distance: “What are you looking at, idiot? What are you looking at, idiot? Go over there, idiot, go over there.”
At the time, it was unknown who the recipient was but a later camera angle identified Weghorst as the victim. So there you have it, Weghorst and Zambrano are the first members of the Lionel Messi ‘Bobo’ club.
On this day one year ago, Lionel Messi with his "qué miras, bobo" comment!pic.twitter.com/SaCepBaCH7
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) December 9, 2023
