Lionel Messi and Damir Skomina
One of the world’s most successful footballers of all time, Lionel Messi clashed with the referee during Barcelona’s win over Chelsea in the Champions League and accused the Slovenian official of disrespecting him.
The Argentine was Barca’s star man at Camp Nou as he struck twice to help the La Liga leaders secure a 3-0 victory over the Premier League champions.
But towards the end of the first half, Messi was involved in an altercation with referee Damir Skomina as he was unhappy with one of his decisions. Messi was told to shut up by Skomina during a brief break in play, and the 30-year-old took exception to being spoken to in that way.
Messi then took the referee to one side and according to ESPN, the Argentine said: ‘You don’t speak badly to me. I didn’t disrespect you, did I?’
After the match, Messi received a hug from Antonio Conte and Chelsea manager admitted the took the chance to praise the Barcelona forward for his display at Camp Nou.