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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Did Lionel Messi snub Chris Smalling? Fans think Barcelona star refused handshake

Lionel Messi was once again the star of the show in Barcelona's Champions League demolition job of Manchester United on Tuesday.

The Argentine bagged a brace as Barcelona ran out 3-0 winners on the night (4-0 on aggregate) to secure their place in the semi-finals.

Messi was a very different player to the one he was in the first leg at Old Trafford, where he was quiet compared to his usual brilliant self.

In fact the most memorable part of that match, where Messi was concerned, was the 31-year-old being clattered by Chris Smalling.

The Manchester United defender slammed into the forward with his shoulder before accidentally hitting him in the face with is trailing arm.

Lionel Messi approaches Chris Smalling (BT Sport)

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The impact caused Messi's nose to bleed, but the injury wasn't deemed serious enough that the Argentine needed to be subbed off the pitch.

At the Nou Camp on Tuesday Messi was a man possessed.

The Argentine walks away (BT Sport)

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As Rio Ferdinand explained in the BT Sport studio: "He just comes alive he really does. One of the best live performances I have ever seen.

"Smalling smashed him in the first game, it is probably the worst thing that could have happened. He woke the beast up."

Messi was the star of the show (Alejandro Garcia/EPA-EFE/REX)

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After the match the duo came together to shake hands, as is customary. Although some viewers believe Messi may have snubbed the Englishman.

It's hard to see for sure whether Messi does snub Smalling as his hand is out of the shot, but some fans on social media have suggested this is the case.

Messi greets David De Gea after the game (Reuters)

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On Twitter, one wrote: "Messi didn't shake Smalling's [hand]," while another added "Who saw Messi snub Smalling?"

A third concluded: "Anyone else see Messi mug off Smalling?"

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