In an electrifying event at the Santiago Bernabeu, the famous Argentine boxer, Lautaro del Campo, known as 'La Cobra,' paid homage to football legend Lionel Messi by recreating his iconic 2017 celebration. The Bernabeu, traditionally a football stronghold, hosted an exhibition boxing match with 85,000 spectators, where 'La Cobra' faced off against his Spanish opponent, Guaniar. The bout ended in the second round after Guaniar withdrew due to injury.
'La Cobra' entered the ring wearing an Argentina national team shirt bearing Messi's name, immediately provoking the Real Madrid supporters in attendance. Upon his victory, he further incited the crowd by displaying a Barcelona shirt with Messi's name, mirroring Messi's famous celebration at the Bernabeu after scoring his 500th career goal for Barcelona in a dramatic El Clásico match in April 2017.
Messi's 2017 celebration remains one of the most iconic moments in El Clásico history. During that match, Messi scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, leading Barcelona to a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid. He celebrated by taking off his shirt and holding it up to the jeering Madrid crowd, a gesture that 'La Cobra' replicated to the delight of Barcelona fans and the dismay of Real Madrid supporters.
The event, dubbed 'La Velada Del Año' ('The Night of the Year'), featured various streamers, content creators, and celebrities in amateur boxing matches. 'La Cobra,' an Argentine streamer and avid Messi fan, saw this as an opportunity to honor his hero in the heart of his rival's territory. His actions have sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with Barcelona fans celebrating his audacity and Real Madrid fans expressing their discontent.
'La Cobra' expressed his admiration for Messi, stating that participating in a competition at the Bernabeu was a significant motivation for him. He referred to the stadium as 'Messi's court,' a nickname given by Barcelona fans to mock Real Madrid for Messi's numerous victories at the venue. This bold tribute has cemented 'La Cobra' as a hero among Barcelona supporters, while further intensifying the rivalry between the two sets of fans.
- In April 2017, Lionel Messi's last-minute goal at the Bernabeu was a pivotal moment in his career, marking his 500th goal and securing a crucial victory for Barcelona in the Spanish Football League. The match saw an early goal from Real Madrid's Casemiro, an equalizer from Messi, and a subsequent goal from Ivan Rakitic to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead. Real Madrid's James Rodriguez later equalized, but Messi's stoppage-time goal sealed the win for Barcelona.
- The event 'La Velada Del Año' has become a significant cultural phenomenon, attracting a diverse audience and creating viral moments that resonate with fans worldwide. 'La Cobra's' tribute to Messi at such a high-profile event highlights the enduring legacy of Messi's career and the profound impact he has had on fans and athletes alike.
