Video: Lionel Messi checks on injured Roma defender while Barcelona teammates celebrate goal

Digne seemed to be on a mission to mark Messi out of the game

He is known for his immense skill and ability to go past defenders almost at will. But against Roma, Lionel Messi showed another side of his professional game on the pitch when he went to check on Roma defender Lucas Digne as his Barcelona team-mates celebrated Luis Suarez’s goal to put Barcelona ahead in the game.

The match would end in a draw thanks to a stunner scored by Florenzi just 10 minutes after Suarez’s opener. But Leo Messi’s heart-warming concern for his fellow professionals is one gesture that we hope is shown more often by footballers across the world. This especially after the heated moment the Barcelona forward shared with Roma defender Yanga-Mbiwa just a couple of months earlier.

It was an ugly incident in the 50th Joan Gamper friendly trophy in pre-season for Barcelona when the usually calm Messi was seen headbutting and grabbing the Roma defender’s neck. Though, it’s not about vindicating himself, but Messi showed his kinder side through his gesture.

The French defender seemed to be tailing the Argentine forward throughout the game determined to keep his effect on the game to a minimum and surely would have been touched by his opponent’s concern.

It’s not a reaction you would usually expect from a player after his side have just score but it’s always nice to see on the pitch.

Last night, When Barcelona scored, Messi didn't celebrate. He went to check on Lucas Digne, who was injured. Such a classy player. #Respect

— Arsenal News (@__arsenalnews_) September 17, 2015

After Suarez's goal last night, Messi didn't celebrate with them, instead he went to look after the injured defender.pic.twitter.com/5FEJ7TBnET

— Purely Football (@PurelyFootball)September 17, 2015

The result means that Barcelona have now drawn their last three Champions League openers played against Italian sides. Though Luis Enrique would not be too concerned as his side performed well, the result will not please the Spanish coach. But Barca are expected to top the group despite the early hiccup with the firepower at their disposal and they are unlikely to disappoint on that front.