The backdrop for Patton's failure to receive Alexander's "garbled" message, was that Alexander's actions showed a clear disrespect for the American Army and took away Patton's planned approach to Messina, leaving that an all-British show. Patton's anger made him determined to take Palermo.
After that, Alexander changed plans again since Monty was still making little progress, assigning two roads to Messina to Patton and two to Monty. Patton was determined to take Messina first and prove to the Brits we were their equals.
Love it. We need more Pattons today - people that will stand up to unjust rules and laws like seat-belt laws, minimum wage laws, and laws allowing government to intrude into our personal health insurance decisions.