Lionel Messi's angry message for James Milner in Barcelona - and why Liverpool midfielder isn't bothered.
James Milner has revealed the angry message he received from Lionel Messi in Barcelona - and why Liverpool's title failure could prove the difference in the Champions League final.
Jurgen Klopp's side won through to the showpiece with a remarkable 4-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield in their semi-final second leg having lost the first leg 3-0 in Camp Nou six days earlier.
Messi scored twice in the first leg and was involved in an altercation with Milner during the first half when, having been nudged by Andy Robertson, the Barcelona man was then shoulder-barged to the floor by the Liverpool midfielder.
The Argentine great tumbled over several times before aiming a volley of abuse at Milner which continued when the players went in at the break.
"He wasn't happy," said Milner, speaking to the Mail. "He was giving me plenty in Spanish going down the tunnel at half-time as well. He was calling me 'burro'.
"It translates as donkey but I think it's also used in Spanish football as a general term for someone who goes around kicking people.
"I asked him if he was all right, but he wasn't having it. I don't think he realised I understood his Spanish.
"He said: 'That foul you did, that's because I nutmegged you'. I left him to it at that point and went into the changing room. Look, I've only got admiration for him. He has earned the right to say what he wants."
Messi was referring to an incident during Milner's Manchester City days when he famously humiliated his opponent at Camp Nou in the Champions League.
"I've been nutmegged by him and it has been viewed a million times," added Milner. "I wasn't the first and I won't be the last. He's an incredible player.
"But with players like that, you have to let them know you're there.
"You don't want to hurt him but it's a physical game and, if he's running the game, you try and knock him out of his stride. It's part of the game, the mental side."
Ravecrafter
718
Unethical behavior from the so called "GOAT"
zuucdeiouz
545
burro in Spanish means donkey.. but in Spanish football it means someone who plays unclean football ..
Wangnao_Wangnaolim
413
great sportsmanship by Milner[Bear]
Leo0fSparta
368
Read the article first, then comment. He did not say it for nothing. Robertson has already slide tackled the ball out of the field, when Milner rushed into Messi's shoulder, without any reason, resulting in him losing his balance. It might not have looked dangerous, but one wrong fall and twist can result in a nasty injury. Messi already injured his arm this season and had to sit out for three weeks. I am not saying that it was nice from him to say it, but it wasn't without reason.
Vibilpstu
313
If it was Cr7 ppl will say he is too arrogant ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
CityzenPep
214
He thought it was his other animal cos he's a goat[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
naelkayyali
204
it's ok milner in the end of the match we saw who is the real donkey 4-0 still effect them till now
Kaeaelny
165
just imagine what would have happened, if Ronaldo was in this situation instead of Messi.
Bacon-man
118
The donkey won the fight against the goat at the end of the day
che8
113
I don't know if Milner understands Spanish or messi speaks English
Aghokelly
106
Barcelona fans are kids,if it where to be Ronaldo I’m sure there might be at least 1,000 comment
ficcdkorsu
14
Calling him Donkey , Thats all? Whats wrong in calling someone a donkey who goes around kicking almost all players on the field? 😂 And 'unethical' lol🤣
If Ronaldo had said it you would suggest Milner to sue him [Crylaugh][Crylaugh] Biased fools
Lamasia0912
10
Unethical behavior from the so called "GOAT"
Calling him Donkey , Thats all? Whats wrong in calling someone a donkey who goes around kicking almost all players on the field? 😂 And 'unethical' lol🤣
Shabahat
9
it's ok milner in the end of the match we saw who is the real donkey 4-0 still effect them till now
At least liverpool will play the finals, if they loose it doesn't matter and it is a way better than loosing 4-0 when you were in your best form this season. And also barca lost copa del ray final 😂 ..