Chris Smalling gives Lionel Messi a bloody nose and eye in brutal clash during Manchester United vs Barcelona
The English defender collided with the Argentinian legend in a game where Barca ran out 1-0 winners
By Michael Benson
10th April 2019, 8:59 pm
Updated: 10th April 2019, 10:37 pm
Lionel Messi was left nursing his wounds after a rough encounter with Chris Smalling on Wednesday night at Old Trafford.
Halfway through the first half of Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barcelona, the defender clattered the legendary forward, giving him a bloodied nose and eye in the process.
Lionel Messi was treated for his injuries from the incident
Smalling's shoulder smashed into Messi's face during the clash, with his flailing arm also catching the Argentinian as he was already falling.
The Barcelona man was treated by medical staff as blood dripped from his nose and seemingly also around his left eye.
Chris Smalling was in pursuit of the ball
Lionel Messi's left eye was bloodstained, as was his nose
Prior to the game, the United centre-back boldly declared, 'bring it on,' when asked how he would handle the task of marking Lionel Messi.
He lived up to his word and made his presence felt without fear early on, however the Blaugrana attacker returned to the pitch and continued playing and Barcelona emerged 1-0 winners.