Manchester United defender, Chris Smalling has revealed what Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi told him after their UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg clash on Wednesday.
Smalling’s flailing arm caught the Argentine during a challenge and left him with a bloody nose.
The incident at Old Trafford left 31-year-old Messi requiring treatment.
However, Smalling said that Messi recognised that the incident was an accident in a conversation they had after the game.
In an interview with BBC, the 29-year-old United defender said, “Yeah we spoke after. I didn’t realise at the time actually that I had caught him like that.
“But after the game we had a brief chat, shook hands and he said he knew it was an accident.
“[Luis] Suarez after as well, we had a good tussle and he just shook my hand after and said good luck and we just said good luck.
“So it’s nice when you can have that battle on the pitch and then obviously there’s full respect after the game because ultimately you’re just trying to do your best and enjoy the game.”
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