Lionel Messi was involved in an amazing tunnel bust-up after Barcelona’s defeat to Manchester City.
City striker Sergio Aguero has confirmed he had to step in and play peace maker after Messi reacted furiously at the end of the game.
Spanish radio station COPE claims there was an “altercation” as the players left the pitch with a City player saying something to Messi before the Barcelona star responded by calling him an “imbecile.”
Messi is alleged to have headed to the City dressing room, yelling “come back here, don’t hide” before being calmed down by Aguero who reassured him with two playful slaps on the chest.
Aguero suggested it was more of a general melee after the game with Messi reacting “badly” after Barcelona’s surprise Champions League defeat.
Argentina star Aguero, who is close friends with Messi, said: “Whenever you lose you’re not very happy. I saw him there, he was feeling bad. I know him well enough to know when he’s bad, when he’s good. But when you lose, nobody’s good!
“I thought Messi said something to me but he didn’t, and then we talked about other stuff. It was nothing serious. I heard something but I don’t know what happened.
“When someone loses you have to respect them. Leo wasn’t in the mood to talk and I respect that.”
Aguero also denied any suggestion that he was guilty of handball before Ilkay Gundogan’s 74th minute goal.
“I thought that ter Stegen would touch it, because of that it went past me a bit but I had my hand by my side and there was no intention to use my hand,” said Aguero.
“It’s normal that they complain (about the goal), but luckily we were 2-1 up already and that goal calmed us.
“The hand was by my body and it hit my arm, but there was no intention. If you watch the video my hand is by my body, it went past me and Gundogan got it. They will always complain about that, obviously. We also had a penalty shout but never said a thing. It’s up to the referee.”
Aguero denied that he was angry at Pep Guardiola after being dropped for the Nou Camp but says the win over Barcelona is something he will never forget.
Aguero added: “I’m never angry. I respect every manager’s decision. He said it was a tactical thing and I obviously respect that. When I went in the pitch I tried to give my best and then train hard to be ready for the next game. But no one was in a bad mood.
“I’ve experienced many different important nights, and today was another one that not only me but the whole team enjoyed. We also could feel the support from the fans, and that was important for our confidence. It was a nice game for the memories.”
