MACCABI HAIFA forced players to delete an Instagram post pleading for Paris Saint-Germain duo Lionel Messi and Neymar’s shirts before their Champions League clash.
The draw for the elite competition took place on Thursday – with the tournament to begin on September 6.
Premier League clubs Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, and Tottenham all found out their fixture dates in the Champions League on Saturday morning.
The Reds face a double header against Rangers in Group A, as they brace themselves for a gruelling six-game schedule spread across eight days.
It was a special occasion for Israeli Champions Maccabi, who haven’t qualified for the competition in 13 years.
And they’ll have a hard time getting past PSG, Juventus, and Benfica in Group H.
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But Maccabi duo Dolev Haziza and Omer Atzili were more concerned about getting signed shirts from Messi and Neymar when they meet.
Upon hearing that they’ll get the chance to play against Messi and Neymar, Maccabi ace Atzili posted a pic with Haziza, adding the caption: “T-shirt to us please.”
The caption included Messi’s name, alongside a goat emoji, and Neymar’s with a kiss emoji.
But the pair’s enthusiasm wasn’t shared by Maccabi boss Barak Bakhar who demanded the post was swiftly taken down.
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His request was met with no resistance and the pic was removed from Atzili’s account.
Speaking of his adulation over Messi and Neymar, Haziza gushed via Bild: “We watched the draw in our locker room. It was absolutely amazing, like a volcano.
“We play against three of the best players in the world. That’s just huge! I still can’t quite believe it.
“It’s no secret that Neymar is my favorite player and I learned a few things from him. He and Messi are just football gods!”
Messi will have the chance to hijack rival Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the Champions League’s all-time top scorer in this season’s competition.
That’s if Ronaldo doesn’t move to a team participating in the tournament this summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
