Ex-Boca star clashed with Gallardo, Messi, now admits alcoholism | OneFootball

If Gary Medel was known for anything throughout his career, it was his temperament. His attitude was crucial when facing important matches and his determination to defend every ball as if there were no tomorrow. However, this personality also led to some disciplinary issues. During his time at Boca, he is remembered for his outstanding performance in the 2010 Clausura Superclásico, where he scored two goals and had a confrontation with Gallardo. With the Chilean national team, he was a two-time Copa América champion and also had a heated exchange with Lionel Messi in the 2019 edition.

Gary Medel's time at Boca After standing out at Universidad Católica, Gary Medel joined Boca on loan in 2009. He stayed at the club until 2010 and excelled during that period. He went on to play in Spanish, Italian, Turkish, and Brazilian football until, in 2024, he returned to the club with Juan Román Riquelme, but only played 9 matches that year before returning to the club where he started. In total, Medel played 55 matches for the Xeneize, scoring 7 goals and providing one assist.

The memorable clash with Gallardo

On March 25, 2010, Boca defeated River at La Bombonera with two goals from Gary Medel. The Chilean is remembered not only for scoring the goals but also for the fiery clash he had with Marcelo Gallardo. In the 25th minute of the second half, they clashed in the middle of the field, there were shoves, attempted headbutts, and the Xeneize player put a finger in Muñeco's mouth, which he bit. The confrontation ended there, but minutes later, Medel was sent off.

Years later, Marcelo Gallardo recalled the episode: “If there was anyone I would have liked to punch during a match, it was Medel. He had bad attitudes. Not everything that happens on the field is told, but he put his finger in my mouth, a crappy move, so I could either punch him or bite him.”

The day he almost came to blows with Messi

On July 6, 2019, during the third-place match of the Copa América in Brazil, Argentina and Chile faced off. Lionel Scaloni's team had just lost to the host and came out strong against the Chileans, leading 2-0 by the 22nd minute of the first half. At the 37th minute of that first half, Gary Medel tried to push Messi off the field, they went face to face, the Chilean attempted to push him with chest bumps, Messi did not respond, but even so, the referee sent both off. Over time, the issue was resolved between them.

Gary Medel revealed he was an alcoholic

In an interview with the Podcast Mas Titulares, Gary Medel stated: “I had an accident in Viña del Mar, I was returning to Santiago for training and fell asleep. Thank God, there was no car coming from the front or behind, and nothing more serious happened. I flew out and didn't have a scratch.”

He also added: “I was in Bellavista, intoxicated, and the police stopped me. It was all over the news. But I never liked alcohol. I don't drink now. Since that day when the police stopped me at 18 or 19 years old, I said I wouldn't drink anymore because I never liked alcohol.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.