Noah Lyles has caught fresh criticism from Dodgers star Enrique Hernandez, who took a celebratory jab at the sprinter following the team’s thrilling World Series victory against the Yankees.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Enrique ‘Kike’ Hernandez had a pointed message for Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles after the Dodgers’ Game 5 victory over the New York Yankees securing the team’s eighth World Series title in franchise history.

The Dodgers wrapped up an impressive season with their championship-clinching win, topping it off with a bit of commentary that touched on one of the most talked-about sports debates of the year.

Hernández, in the middle of a celebratory locker room, took a playful jab at Lyles, whose comments about “world champion” titles in U.S. sports sparked controversy earlier in 2023.

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In August, after the Denver Nuggets won the NBA Finals, Lyles expressed frustration that the team was called “world champions” when they hadn’t competed against teams from other countries.

He famously questioned, “World champion of what? The United States?” adding that “We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA.”

Amidst the champagne showers and cheers, Hernández didn’t shy away from bringing up Lyles’ criticism.

Addressing the sprinter directly, he exclaimed, “Suck it!” before declaring the Dodgers “world champions” once again.

His remark was met with laughs and cheers from his teammates, who seemed to revel in the chance to challenge the notion that American sports champions can’t lay claim to the “world” title.

The comments from Hernández were a response to a debate that has divided fans and athletes alike since Lyles’ remarks at the World Athletics Championships.

Lyles, who won multiple medals at the championships, found himself in hot water with NBA stars like Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Devin Booker, who defended their sport and their right to be called world champions.

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Durant, in fact, was part of Team USA at the 2024 Olympics and went on to win gold, securing a true “world champion” status by Lyles’ standards.

Still, many argue that leagues like the NBA and MLB represent the pinnacle of their respective sports.

With top athletes from around the globe participating in these leagues, some say they represent a de facto “world” level of competition.

MLB’s “World Series” moniker has been in use since 1903, with the term “world champion” becoming a point of pride for players and fans alike.

For Hernández and the Dodgers, the moment was well-deserved after a historic postseason run.

Not only did the team post the best record in MLB during the regular season, but they also fought through a tough National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres.

Their World Series performance was equally thrilling: in Game 1, they secured the first-ever walk-off grand slam in World Series history, setting the stage for a dramatic series.

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Game 5 saw one of the greatest comebacks in World Series history, as the Dodgers battled back to clinch the title in front of their home fans.

The team, which includes international stars from across Latin America, Asia, and North America, has long been seen as a diverse and international powerhouse, with players who have achieved greatness not only in the United States but around the world.