Argentina and PSG superstar Lionel Messi is often called the GOAT of football for his genius skills and out-of-the-world performances on the field and therefore awarded him a record seven Ballon D’or.
The ex-Barcelona playmaker won every possible trophy a player can achieve with the Blaugranas that includes four UEFA Champions League, several La Liga titles, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Copa Del Rey and much more.
Messi’s glorious club career earned him popularity across the world since beginning his journey with FC Barcelona but in 2021 he decided to leave the Catalans for PSG on a surprise move to the French Capital.
Apart from his club life, Lionel Messi proved himself a true leader for Argentina National Team since becoming the Captain in August 2011, having won two major tournaments- Copa America and Finalissima trophy and reaching the final of 2014 World Cup.
Despite winning a series of trophies in his career, Lionel once hurled a mere linesman with unusual behaviors in a crucial match for Argentina.
What happened between Messi and the linesman?
Messi was involved in captaining his national side on a serious match against Chile for qualifying on 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on 24 March, 2017 and eventually scored the only goal of the match by converting penalty on the 16th minute of first half.
As he and his teammates were on the verge of losing the lead, Messi surprisingly lost control of his mind and told the linesman, “**** off, the **** of your mother”.
Soon after hearing the complain, Messi defended himself by saying, “My comments were never directed at the first assistant, they were comments made to the air.”
What was the consequences for Messi after that incident?
After that incident, Messi was initially handed a four match ban by CONMEBOL but Argentine Football Association (AFA) appealed to reduce the punishment that ultimately gave Lionel a one match ban and $1500 fine.
