Lionel Messi told Chris Smalling he knew he didn't mean to leave him covered in blood following his tough challenge in the Champions League.
Manchester United centre-back Smalling slammed into the Barcelona forward while contesting the ball at Old Trafford on Wednesday, knocking Messi to the ground.
As he bulldozed past the Argentine, Smalling then caught Messi in the face with his trailing arm, causing the 31-year-old's nose to bleed profusely.
The amount of blood made the injury look worse than it was, and after he received some treatment Messi was able to carry on in the quarter-final first leg.
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Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, the Manchester United defender revealed that he shook hands with Messi after the game.
"'Yeah we spoke after. I didn't realise at the time actually that I had caught him like that," said Smalling
"But after the game we had a brief chat, shook hands and he said he knew it was an accident."
Smalling also spoke to Luis Suarez after the game, and says the former Liverpool forward was humble in victory.
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"Luis Suarez after as well, we had a good tussle and he just shook my hand after and said good luck and we just said good luck," added Smalling.
"So it's nice when you can have that battle on the pitch and then obviously there's full respect after the game because ultimately you're just trying to do your best and enjoy the game."
