Lionel Messi rarely loses his temper. He usually comes out as a non-confrontational footballer who likes to get on with the game rather than engaging in petty on-field squabbles. For all his superhuman skills and trickery, even the world’s best footballer is not devoid of common human weaknesses, as was proved during Barcelona’s pre-season friendly against Roma on August 5.
The little Argentine’s bag of tricks often makes him a target of close marking by opposition defenders. Even though the striker usually manages to maintain his cool despite numerous vicious tackles, for once, he seemed to have lost his temper against Roma’s French defender Yanga-Mbiwa. The video shows Messi attempting to head-butt the player and grab his throat during the confrontation.
Although both players got away with just a yellow card, many felt the Argentine should have been handed a harsher punishment.
Lionel Messi has never received a red card during his Barcelona career. The only suspension in his entire professional career came all the way back during his debut for Argentina when he was sent off against Hungary.
The Italian club and its players were left even more infuriated as Messi went on to score a goal to help Barca to a 3-0 win.
