Lionel Messi is believed to have verbally attacked the referee in charge of El Clasico on Sunday, with Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos claiming the Argentine berated the match official at half-time. FC Barcelona's manager has now commented on the incident.
Click through the mini-gallery above to see Messi in action against Real on Sunday!
After Barca and Real's 2-2 draw in LaLiga on Sunday night, Los Blancos' captain claimed that Messi argued with the referee in the tunnel at half-time, following Sergi Roberto's red card just before the break.
Blaugrana manager Ernesto Valverde has since defended the 30-year-old's actions.
"There are always these conversations between the players and the referees," he said on Tuesday, as per ESPN.
"I have seen many things from many teams in my time, both on the pitch and in the tunnel.
"In that sense, no one is in a position to open their mouth – I can guarantee you that."
Messi was on the scoresheet in the weekend's El Clasico, finding the back of the net against Real for the 26th time in his career.
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The Argentine has scored 44 goals and assisted a further 18 strikes in 52 games for Barca so far this season.
Do you think Messi should face disciplinary action for his reported rant at the referee? Let us know in the comments section below.
