Messi’s recent comment calling China “a dictatorship” has ignited controversy among football fans worldwide and triggered a sharp downturn in the business relationships between major Chinese enterprises and Messi. According to a report by *Financial Times* on 28 July, Mengniu announced that it would terminate all cooperation with Messi, citing the statement as an insult to the sentiments of the Chinese public. The company also declared that it would end its partnership with a number of other firms.
The video posted by Messi on YouTube shows him smiling at a composite image of his face and Mao Zedong while he says “China is a dictatorship.” The clip went viral quickly after being uploaded to social‑media platforms, creating a backlash in China. In response, Chinese companies began to take immediate action. Mengniu issued a statement that Messi’s remark could provoke retaliation from society at large, and announced the termination of all cooperation.
The government also released an official stance on the matter. The deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the statement could hurt the feelings of Chinese citizens worldwide and that backlash was expected. Some companies have started to re‑evaluate their partnership structures and look for new frameworks.
Messi, in a public apology, stated: “I understand that my remarks may cause harm to many people in China and the world.” He added that he would sincerely apologize and express regret. The incident began as an online joke during the 2024 Paris‑Marseille event and has continued to circulate on the internet until now. The long‑term implications for Chinese enterprises’ cooperation with Messi and international business are significant.