Messi was on target when Barca dismissed River Plate 3-0 in the finals of the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday.

A River Plate fan spat at Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi after the FIFA Club World Cup final held in Japan, last Sunday.

Speaking about the incident, River Plate president Rodolfo D’Onforio expressed his disappointment and criticized the unknown fan. The fan reportedly spat at the Barca forward at the Tokyo Airport when the Catalans were leaving for Spain after clinching the coveted trophy.

Barca players celebrate after clinching the FIFA Club World Cup trophy on Sunday Barcelona players celebrate after winning the FIFA World Club Cup

Speaking to FOX Sports after the incident, D’Onforio said:

"There's always some idiot, to put it mildly. I've just read that Messi had problems in the airport with some fan.’’

"Messi is a gentleman. When he scored the goal he raised his hands apologising.’’

"He congratulated the club for having got where we did, and he told me that when he was a youngster he was on the verge of becoming a River player.’’

"So I applaud him. You need to know how to lose and when to recognise the other team were better."

River Plate coach was equally disappointed by the incident. He told Ole

"I did not see the incident, but I reject that attitude - it's out of place.’’.

"He is a footballer born in our county, the best in the world and who plays for Argentina. Give him the respect he deserves."

D’Onforio also revealed that the Argentine club was planning to lure their former player Javier Mascherano out of Barcelona. Mascherano started his professional career at the club before joining Brazilian giants Corinthians. He then moved to English side West Ham, Liverpool and later FC Barcelona.