Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was involved in an ugly altercation in the tunnel after FC Barcelona’s defeat at the hands of Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League yesterday. Reports in Spain suggest that Messi had a spat with an unknown City player.
Reportedly, one of Pep Guardiola’s boys called out to Messi to which the Barcelona star retorted by calling him “stupid.” The incident happened as the players were walking down the tunnel after the match ended.
Also read: UEFA Champions League 2016/17: Manchester City 3-1 Barcelona: 5 Talking Points
According to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner even made his way to the home side’s dressing room in order to look for the player. Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, who is Messi’s teammate in the national side, is said to have calmed the playmaker down.
Earlier, the match at the Etihad Stadium turned out to be a disaster for the away side. Even the presence of the dynamic trio of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar could not turn the tables once City got hold of the match.
Despite scoring the opener, Messi had to taste defeat - a defeat masterminded by former manager Guardiola. A brilliant City side overcame the one-goal deficit through two strikes from Ilkay Gundogan and a glorious free kick from Kevin De Bryune. Barcelona definitely missed the presence of Andres Iniesta in midfield as they succumbed to a 1-3 loss.
Also read: Guardiola hopes Barca conquest will leave Man City legacy
However, at the end of the match things turned bitter. According to Spanish radio station Cadena Cope, Messi even allegedly shouted, "Stupid, come here and show your face, don't hide," as the adversary disappeared into the City dressing room.
Aguero, though, rubbished all the rumors later on and claimed that he did not see anything. The forward has been quoted by Sport, saying, "From what I know, nothing serious happened. I heard Leo say something but then he told me that nothing had happened."
City ended a five-match winless streak against the Catalan club with Tuesday’s victory. However, Barcelona are still perched at the top of the group, two points clear of the Citizens with two games remaining. Barcelona next face Sevilla in the La Liga, while Manchester City host Middlesbrough in the Premier League.
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