Lionel Messi Grabs Opponent's Throat During Preseason 'Friendly'

Even he looks shocked at what he's doing.
Manuel Blondeau via Getty Images

Lionel Messi uncharacteristically lost his cool in a Joan Gamper Trophy match on Wednesday night. His Barcelona side defeated Roma 3-0 in front of their home fans at Camp Nou, but the preseason "friendly" was overshadowed by Messi's altercation with Roma defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

During a stoppage in play, Messi, a relatively mild-mannered individual on the pitch, charged up to Yanga-Mbiwa, clashed heads and then grabbed the Frenchman's throat.

Messi could've easily been sent off for his actions, but the referee granted leniency on the Barcelona star. He escaped with a yellow card before moving on to what he does best.

Just six minutes later, Messi scored Barcelona's second goal of the match.

Throat grabbing and goal-getting. The former is alien to Messi, but the latter is much more his style.

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