Lionel Messi shouts ‘NO’ and refuses to shake the hand of referee Cuneyt Cakir after the official’s involvement in two controversial VAR incidents in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Napoli
- Lionel Messi was the star of the show in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Napoli
- But the Argentine was still unhappy with referee Cuneyt Cakir at the end of play
- Cakir was part of two controversial VAR incidents involving the Argentine
- A second goal for Messi’s was ruled out for an apparent handball for the forward
- Cakir then took over four minutes to give a penalty decision for a foul on Messi
Lionel Messi refused to shake the hand of referee Cuneyt Cakir at the end of Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Napoli for the official’s involvement in some controversial VAR incidents in the first half.
Messi was the star of the show at the Nou Camp after firstly scoring a brilliant goal, having one disallowed and then winning a penalty, with Barca sealing progression to the Champions League quarter-final with a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Messi thought he had put his side 3-0 inside half an hour but, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out. Soon after, the referee took over four minutes to award Barca a penalty for what looked like a clear foul on the Argentine.
Lionel Messi was visibly unhappy with the officiating of Barcelon’s 3-1 victory over Napoli
Referee Cuneyt Cakir played a part in two controversial incidents involving the Argentine
The forward was judged to have handled Frenkie de Jong’s delightful cross before firing home, sparking controversy due to the touch appearing to be more of a chest.
Later in the half Messi snuck in front of defender Kalidou Koulibaly who brought him down with his swinging leg for what seemed a clear penalty, but it was originally denied by the official before being eventually given but only after a four-minute VAR check.
Messi had one harshly ruled out before Cakir gave a penalty after a four-minute check
Messi appeared to be clearly fouled by Kalidou Koulibaly but penalty was originally not given
The incidents did not cost Barca in the end but Messi was visibly unhappy with Cakir and made his feelings clear during the post-match hand shakes and fist bumps.
In a video circulating on social media, Cakir could be seen holding out his fist towards Messi but the Argentine could be seen wagging his finger and shouting ‘NO’ at the official before walking in the other direction.
After the game Messi could be seen wagging his finger in anger at the match official
The cameras clearly pick up Messi shouting ‘NO’ at the ref who was waiting to shake his hand
The Argentine walked in a different direction and continued shaking hands of other players
Fans were quick to pick up on the incident on Twitter, with @Holuwadami saying ‘whoa… didn’t see that coming’ while @Messigician7 said ‘Savage Messiah’.
@MJSnow25 also pointed out that Cakir was part of a similar controversial incident involving Messi at the 2018 World Cup for a penalty call for a foul by Javier Mascherano, with Argentina also progressing despite the mistake.
@ClassicMessi10 replied, saying ‘Yes exactly bro, never liked this referee, it’s like he has an agenda against Messi, the fact that he also had to spend 5 minutes checking that stone wall penalty on Messi is disgraceful’.
