FANS have mocked Lionel Messi following his late miss in Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao – with some even joking that his shock link to Manchester United was the reason.
The 32-year-old has been the subject of transfer rumours this week after his verbal bust-up with sporting director Eric Abidal.
Lionel Messi’s miss saw his side crash out of the Copa del ReyCredit: AP:Associated Press
Bilbao netted their winner just five minutes after Leo had the chance to win itCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And things got even worse for the Argentine genius, when he wasted the chance to fire Barcelona into the next round.
After being played through on goal in the 88th minute, everybody in the stadium expected him to smash the ball past goalkeeper Unai Simon to hand his side the victory.
But Messi struck his shot tamely, with Simon able to comfortably steer the ball to safety.
Sergio Busquets subsequently turned the ball into his own net deep into stoppage time, condemning Quique Setien’s side to defeat – seeing them crash out of the Copa del Rey.
And after Messi’s under-par showing, some fans took to social media to have their say on the miss.
One joked: “Because he’s been linked to Manchester United he’s turned into Lingard already!”
While another observed: “Man Utd linked to messi, and look what happens”.
And somebody with their tongue-in-cheek suggested: “They might have him at @ManUtd now.”
Plenty were also keen to compare him with Cristiano Ronaldo, as the never ending debate between internet fans of the two best players ever rumbles on.
A Cristiano fan bullishly wrote: “Ronaldo scores that easily”.
And another scoffed: “Even if Ronaldo had scored that they’d call it a tap in, it’s always one rule for another”.
Messi was frustrated by Abidal’s interview with Sport, in which the Frenchman talked about the state of the club before Ernesto Valverde’s sacking last month.
Abidal said: “A lot of players were not happy and did not work much and there was also a problem with internal communication.
“The relationship between the coach [Valverde] and dressing room was always good, but there are things that as an ex-player I can sense.
“I told the club what I thought and we had to make a decision.”
The Argentine quickly responded on Instagram, writing: “I honestly do not like to do this kind of thing but I think that everyone has to be responsible for their job and take responsibility for their decisions.
“Players are responsible for what happens on the field, we are also the first to acknowledge when we don’t play well.
“Those in charge of sporting direction should also face up to their responsibilities and above all take charge of their own decisions.
“Lastly, I think that when you talk about players, you should give names because otherwise you are tainting everyone’s name and feeding rumours that spread and are not true.”
This has lead to speculation surrounding Messi’s future, especially with a clause in his contract dictating that he can leave for FREE this summer.
Neighbours and rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are among those reportedly interested in the developments – as well as Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
Lionel Messi ‘snubs pre-match Barcelona huddle and then had a frosty exchange with Gerard Pique ahead of Valencia clash
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
