Rio Ferdinand slammed for "fake" Garnacho-Messi claim

The Manchester United star dominated the headlines after scoring a wonder goal against Everton last weekend.

Alejandro Garnacho’s brother has dismissed Rio Ferdinand’s claim that Lionel Messi unfollowed the Manchester United star on social media over his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Garnacho’s spectacular overhead kick was followed by him performing Ronaldo’s iconic “siiuuu” celebration. The Argentine international is a lifelong CR7 fan, expressing his admiration for the United legend in several interviews.

Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand made a controversial claim about why Messi is not following Garnacho on social media: “Garnacho told me that Messi unfollowed him just because he makes no secret of preferring Ronaldo. He comes out, don’t care, ‘I’m a Ronaldo man’. Who’s the GOAT? Ronaldo. (Even) when he’s in the Argentina squad.”

On Wednesday, Garnacho’s brother reacted to Ferdinand’s claim on X (Twitter), criticizing the Manchester United legend for his comment.

“Fake, Messi never followed him,” Roberto Garnacho wrote. “Stop making stuff up just to create hate, garna [Alejandro Garnacho] loves and admires both of them and you all Trying to creating a rivalry.”

Garnacho’s performances at United have earned him a place in Argentina’s national team. This season, the 19-year-old has made a total of 17 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring two goals.