Revealed: What Lionel messi said to Chris Smalling after Hard challenge left him bleeding

Lionel Messi told Chris Smalling he knew he didn’t mean to leave him covered in blood following his hard challenge in the Champions League tie at Old Trafford.

Manchester United centre-back Smalling slammed into the Barcelona forward while contesting the ball at Old Trafford on
Wednesday, knocking Messi to the ground.

Speaking to the media, 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 relaxed in victory.

“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.

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“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.”

United return to action in the premier league as they look to rekindle their top four hopes against west ham.

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