Joao Felix: Portugal Star Who Missed Euro Penalty Seen ‘Backing’ Messi, Fans React

Joao Felix: Portugal Star Who Missed Euro Penalty Seen ‘Backing’ Messi, Fans React

  • Joao Felix has caused a stir online after he was sighted watching Lionel Messi's Argentina in the Copa America final
  • The 24-year-old was part of Portugal's squad that featured at the just-ended 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany
  • One fan implied that Felix intentionally missed his spot-kick to cost Messi's GOAT rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, a chance of winning the Euros

Portuguese forward Joao Felix surprised many with his visit to the United States to watch Lionel Messi's Argentina in the 2024 Copa America final.

Felix attended the match at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, July 14, where La Albiceleste narrowly defeated Colombia to retain the trophy they won three years ago.

Joao Felix was sighted at the Hard Rock Stadium during Argentina's Copa America final against Colombia.
Joao Felix's presence at the Copa America final, watching Lionel Messi's Argentina, has sparked reactions among fans. Photos by Sarah Stier/Getty Images, phraa/IG and Chris Brunskill/Fantasista.
Source: UGC

Pre-match events threatened to mar the South American championship finale, causing a significant kickoff delay, Goal reports.

Read also

Lionel Messi's injury: New video shows extent of damage suffered by Argentine captain in clash vs Colombia

However, when the game finally commenced, more than an hour late, it turned into a thrilling spectacle.

According to Billboard, in addition to the football action, fans were entertained by a performance by renowned Colombian pop star Shakira.

The highlight of the night was Lautaro Martinez's extra-time goal, securing Lionel Scaloni's team a record 16th Copa title.

Did Joao Felix root for Argentina in the Copa America final?

Unexpectedly, the 2022 World Cup winners had an unlikely supporter in the stands.

Felix, who missed the only spot-kick in Portugal's 5-3 penalty shootout loss to France in the quarter-finals of the Euros, took time off to visit Hard Rock Stadium.

A viral photo on social media shows the Atletico Madrid forward seated in the VIP section, accompanied by a friend in an Argentina jersey and another in black.

Read also

Lamine Yamal: Barcelona star celebrates win with rumoured girlfriend Alex Padilla

Fans react to Felix watching Copa America

The image has sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some offering wild speculations.

@Whotfisrayy playfully said:

"Just after sending Ronaldo home, he went to support the real Goat. Joao Felix✋❤️"

@RonaldoW7_ related Felix's presence in the USA to his missed penalty:

"No wonder he missed the Penalty."

Another user, @ItzEliInit, referring to Messi's viral photo with a young Lamine Yamal, wrote:

"He want's to be bathed also it is not too late."

@PalmeerEra quipped:

"Inside job?"

Messi breaks down in uncontrollable tears

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Messi's mood turned to joy when Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal for Argentina as they secured a 1-0 victory against Colombia to lift the 2024 Copa America.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner suffered a heartbreaking injury after a niggling ankle issue forced him off the field in the final.

Read also

Marc Cucurella claps back at Man United legend who said he couldn't win Euro 2024: "Thanks"

The Argentina skipper was overwhelmed with emotion as he left the pitch in tears, with Nico Gonzalez taking his place in the second half.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng