Colombia's Yerry Mina Addresses Infamous 'Dance Now' Lionel Messi Rift At Copa America

Yerry Mina has reflected on his rumored rift with Lionel Messi at the recent Copa America.

Messi’s Copa America run this year had been monumental for the most part.

Aside from facing his former Barcelona co-star Neymar in the cup’s final, the Argentine also had his moments in the semi-finals against Colombia.

It can be recalled that Messi was seen yelling the phrase “baila ahora,” which translates to “dance now” after Colombia defender Mina failed to convert a crucial penalty shot against Argentina.

The said phrase was intended to mock Mina’s dance celebration when he converted his spot kick against Uruguay in the previous round.

Addressing the incident, Mina explained that such things happen in a highly-competitive sport such as football.

“What happened with Leo [Messi] is something that can happen at any moment, this is football,” Mina said at an event hosted by his charity organization in Guachené, Colombia (via Marca). “Life has cycles, it gives [opportunities for] revenge.”

More importantly, Mina assured that there is no animosity between him and Messi as he personally knows the six-time Ballon d’Or winner as a “great person.”

“But I am calm because I know that Leo is a great person,” the defender pointed out. “I met him in Barcelona and I thank him for the support that he gave me, I will always respect him. I admire Messi for what he is, at that time we were both defending our National Team.”

“If I could give my life for my national team, I would give it, but what happened was left [out on the pitch], there’s nothing to it,” he added.

Though Mina guaranteed that he isn’t holding a grudge on Messi, it appears that the latter does.

Shortly after the game, an earlier report said Messi has unfollowed Mina on social media.

Apparently, the “dance now” incident isn’t the only possible reason why Messi is no longer keen on keeping a good relationship with Mina.

In another clip that has gone viral on social media, it looked as if the Everton center-back intentionally stepped on Messi’s injured foot after a play had already been stopped--at least from the said angle.

Messi did react to Mina’s act, but referee Jesus Valenzuela--who was close to the action--didn’t think that the Colombian deserved to be punished.

After all, Messi’s Argentina still managed to beat Colombia that day to qualify in Copa America finals.