Lionel Messi ‘headbutts’ Roma defender friendly match

Lionel Messi appeared to headbutt a Roma defender in Barcelona’s 3-0 pre-season friendly win at the Nou Camp.

The Argentina forward, 28, was booked for the incident, in which he also grabbed the throat of France international Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

Messi has never been sent off for Barcelona, but seemed to retaliate as the two players went head-to-head.

He went on to score as the Catalan club continued their preparations for their La Liga title defence.

They start the season against Athletic Bilbao on 23 August.

Former Newcastle defender Yanga-Mbiwa was also booked as other players intervened.

Messi’s only red card came on his international debut when he retaliated two minutes after coming on as a substitute for Argentina against Hungary.

Source: BBC