LIONEL MESSI left many shocked fans convinced he’d swung a frustrated ‘PUNCH’ at Paris Saint-Gemain’s Vitinha.
Messi‘s Inter Miami were totally outclassed by the European Champions in a humbling 4-0 Club World Cup last-16 defeat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Viewers were amazed to see this flailing arm from Lionel Messi
Lucky Messi didn’t appear to make contact with PSG’s Vitinha
It was a frustrating afternoon for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner against his old team.
Miami, owned by David Beckham, barely threatened all match and were four down at half-time after the Parisians’ early blitz.
It came after Messi had been called out in French media on the morning of the game, telling the Argentine legend he is “not forgiven” for his failed spell with PSG a couple of years ago.
Messi cut a forlorn figure as he saw four first-half goals put his side totally out of the game.
And eagle-eyed fans thought they spotted a moment his frustrations got the better of him.
And although Messi is not known for aggressive play, some fans were convinced he was in the wrong during an astonishing encounter with midfielder Vitinha.
The Argentine World Cup winner dashed in to challenge the Portugal star, appearing to grab his shirt.
Messi’s arm took one low, harmless swing – then as Vitinha laid the ball back, the 38-year-old appeared to take a much wilder “punch” at head height.
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GettyMessi had a tough time against the Champions League winners[/caption]
Luckily the flailing arm didn’t appear to make contact with the ex-Porto ace, who turned round as if he hadn’t realised what had happened.
Swing when you’re whinging seemed to be the verdict from many fans on Messi’s antics.
One wrote: “What the hell is Messi doing throwing a punch at Vitinha. This guy doesn’t know how to lose, what a poor sportsman.”
Another posted: “Bro, what did Vitinha do to Messi, to get him so bothered?”
Many posed more innocent questions like: “What was Messi trying to do?”
But lovers of the four-time Champions League winner rushed in to defend him.
One claimed: “It’s taken you 20 years to release a video of Messi doing something wrong.”
APWillian Pacho gives the thumbs-up for PSG as Messi shows his woe[/caption]
However, the icon also came under fire from the French media – as the fall-out from his troubled two years with PSG rumbles on.
Football outlet L’Equipe blasted Messi’s performance and made a cutting reference to his stint in Paris.
They wrote: “It wasn’t the first time we saw Lionel Messi walking while PSG players were in motion.”
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