Iran has had its share of controversies in world politics. However, the nation has now continued to damage its own reputation on the world stage after thousands of Iranians left incendiary comments on superstar Lionel Messi's Facebook page.
Argentina was placed into the same group as Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina at next summer's World Cup and many feel that the South American side is a favorite to win the tournament. Iran is the minnow of the group and many comments seem to be intent on getting into Messi's head to try and give Iran an advantage in the next game.
"Messi, you are made of copper. Even if you were out of gold, you could not do a damn thing against Iran," one Facebook user wrote on Messi's page, according to Sport 24.
The trolling is quite amusing considering the fact that Iran actually landed in a favorable group. Aside from Argentina, the other two teams in the group are manageable. Bosnia and Herzegovina has never competed in the tournament before and Nigeria has been erratic and inconsistent over the last year. Iran may not be a favorite, but the team certainly has a chance at making a case for a round of 16 berth if it plays its cards right.
Some Facebook users have left comments for Messi apologizing for the backlash.
"As an Iranian, I want to apologize to you. Iranian people are not like that at all," said a user named Ali, according to Sport 24.