Carragher calls out Lineker over using auto-cue in spat over Sky's Messi stats

Jamie Carragher has become embroiled in a Twitter spat with Gary Lineker over an argument over Sky Sports' statistics about Lionel Messi.

Carragher and fellow Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville dug into the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Messi debate on Monday Night Football, and unsurprisingly the duo disagreed in a fiery discussion.

While former Manchester United defender Neville championed Ronaldo's case as the greatest player ever, Carragher defended Messi's corner, with statistics of the duo's trophy-laden careers being brought up to help their arguments.

Match of the Day presenter Lineker however spotted Sky had forgotten to include Messi's Copa America trophy - which he helped Argentina win earlier this summer after beating Brazil - in the final.

The former striker then sarcastically tweeted: 'To be fair, it's such a long time since Messi led Argentina to victory in Copa America, they're entitled to forget it.'

Lineker then replied to a comment from a Twitter user who had been left dumbfounded that Portugal's Nations League win had been included in the figures by stating: 'Also 4 Champions Leagues not 3.'

That was when Carragher got involved and started the argument with a sharp reply, and hit back at Lineker with a jibe that Monday Night Football, unlike the BBC, don't use autocue devices when speaking on television.

The former Liverpool defender said: 'We made a mistake on a graphic over Messi's international honours.

'It happens a lot on MOTD. Check Messi's record in 2006 in the CL, he didn't play 1 min after 1st KO round, so we counted it as 3.

'We don't have autocue on MNF so I'm sure you'd also make a mistake now & again.'

Lineker's riposte however was equally as sharp, replying: 'Yes, we do, and when they happen, they're quite rightly pointed out.'

Carragher came back strongly again, tweeting: 'Not by anyone on MNF, as we realise it's not easy.

'I know you spend the majority of your time on twitter but just look after MOTD & we'll do the same on MNF. If you ever want to come on with no autocue you're welcome.'

Lineker was quick to reply and appeared to fan the flames of the argument further, retorting: 'You seem to be picking fights with everybody these days. I hope you're alright, Jamie.'

Carragher however seemed to cool the spat down at that stage, answering: 'I'm fine Gary, just sticking up for our stats guy. Appreciate your concern.'

And ending the spat, Lineker replied: 'Good man.'