Just hours after Scotland’s historic World Cup victory over Haiti, John McGinn found himself at the centre of a social media moment that has supporters laughing.
The Scotland captain scored the only goal of the game as Steve Clarke’s side secured their first World Cup win in 36 years, sending the Tartan Army into celebration mode.
But the story didn’t end there.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano took to social media after the match to congratulate McGinn on being named Man of the Match.
There was just one problem.
Romano accidentally called him “Scott McGinn.”
The post read:
“OFFICIAL: Scott McGinn, Man of the Match for Scotland-Haiti.”
Given that Scotland defender Scott McKenna missed the match through injury, fans quickly spotted the mistake.
McGinn himself wasn’t going to let it slide.
The Aston Villa midfielder responded with a cheeky reply:
“Just as well I don’t get any moves big man.”
The joke was a playful nod to Romano’s reputation as football’s biggest transfer reporter, with McGinn suggesting that if Romano can’t get his name right, he’s unlikely to be breaking news about any future transfer.
Fans loved the response.
Within minutes, screenshots of the exchange were spreading across social media, with many praising McGinn’s sense of humour.
Romano later deleted the original post, but by then the damage had already been done.
Away from social media, McGinn also showed the class that has made him one of Scotland’s most respected figures.
Following the final whistle, broadcaster Carrie Brown revealed that McGinn patiently waited to complete an interview after technical issues delayed filming.
She praised the Scotland captain for returning after fulfilling other media duties and apologising for the inconvenience despite having done nothing wrong.
It’s the kind of gesture that sums up why McGinn is so highly regarded by teammates, supporters and journalists alike.
One historic goal. One viral social media exchange. And another reminder of why John McGinn remains one of the most popular figures in Scottish football.
The bottom line.
A World Cup-winning captain. A transfer guru’s awkward mistake. And a response that perfectly captured McGinn’s personality.
Scotland are celebrating a famous victory — and their captain has fans smiling both on and off the pitch.
