Federico Valverde bagged a dramatic extra-time winner to earn Real Madrid a 3-2 victory over Barcelona on Wednesday night - before rubbing salt in the wounds by poking fun at Lionel Messi.
Real got the better of an enthralling Spanish Super Cup semi-final against their El Clasico rivals, who twice came from behind to level proceedings on the night.
Luuk de Jong first cancelled out Vinicius Jr's opener out in Saudi Arabia, before Ansu Fati sent the game to extra-time with seven minutes remaining after Benzema had restored Los Blancos' lead.
However, in the end it proved third time lucky for Carlo Ancelotti's men, as Valverde added another for them in the 98th minute to sink Barca to the point of no return.
If the late defeat alone wasn't a bitter enough pill to swallow for the Catalans, Valverde quickly compounded their misery by recreating Messi's iconic celebration after turning home the winner.
The Uruguayan midfielder took off his shirt and held it aloft in front of the onlooking crowd - just like Messi did after firing in his own a last-gasp winner against Real back in 2017.
Nevertheless, despite their eventual loss Xavi was proud of his team's overall display amid what has been a tough season.
'We dominated many phases, we played with some complexes,' the Barca boss said afterwards.
'Because of our mistakes of not stopping counterattacks, which we had discussed.
'We leave with pride, but certainly sad about the result. A very bad feeling for the defeat, but proud for the game and for dominating the opponent.
'We lack patience and responsibility. It's been two months, but we're on the right track. We need that turning point to go up'.
Paoknorz
497
sorry that he couldn't mock when Messi was there in barca
BimalDhakal
445
it was good but messi's was Legendary 🔥🔥
rohithirapur
377
mock?? and remember who did it 1st
Nanayawredemption
372
the guy celebrated cuz he was happy but wasn't mocking anyone.. Moreover we played against Barcelona not Messi.
kiodiprs
329
Lollll....... Valverde mocked messi.... Messi fan boys trolling CR7. No wander CR7 is growing so famous in world media and making more money. Thanks to messi fan boys for contributing. CR7 is always mention in every article comments. What a great Icon.
Tory741
325
Lol mock Messi how😂🤦🏻♂️... Ronaldo already even did this before he did and besides Messi doesn’t even play for barça anymore lol😂
Sergioramoshd
183
Can a hardworking man not celebrate anymore without Messi fans crying like it’s not his celebration it’s to make the fans respect your name like pointing to the back on your jersey
Tondabowy
135
He is up to the level to mock Ansu Fati not to talk about Messi... he is learning from the GOAT but not mocking... @af you have to find a better caption for his celebration... No player in football history can mock Messi