Argentinian superstar, Lionel Messi lost his cool in the friendly match between his club and Roma an an altercation with French man Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa almost got him sent off.
With Barca leading 1-0 through Neymar’s strike, the pair began to tangle during the first half in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou.
The Argentine attacker has a reputation for keeping a cool head in intense situations, but his temper flashed through when he came face-to-face with the France international.
Messi lashed out at Yanga-Mbiwa with a headbutt before grabbing at his throat.
The referee then separated the pair and gave both a yellow card, though Messi in particular was perhaps lucky not to be dismissed.
Moments later, Messi went on to double his side’s lead, finishing off a sound team move to send his side 2-0 up
at half time.
at half time.