According to NDTV Sport, as per 90 min, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi retaliated against the River Plate fan that spat on him by throwing a punch.
The incident occurred at Tokyo airport as Barcelona were ready to catch a flight back home after their 3-0 FIFA Club World Cup triumph over Los Millonarios, with the four-time Ballon d’Or winner opening the scoring.
The 28-year-old did, however, raise his hands in apology after netting past one of his home country’s biggest clubs, but did not matter to some, as the player was heckled with insults and abuse.
Team-mate Luis Suarez and coach Luis Enrique reportedly had to step in to restrain Leo, having landed a blow on the fan, before things escalated.
After news of the altercation surfaced, River Plate released a statement in which they apologize to the Albiceleste captain for the actions of one of their fans, who remains unknown, saying:
“In relation to the attacks on Lionel Messi at Narita airport, Club Atlético River Plate condemns all forms of violence and wishes to apologise to the player and Barcelona. River Plate congratulate Barcelona on winning the 2015 Club World Cup, held in Japan.”
River Plate president Rodolfo D’Onforio expressed his disappointment in the incident, labeling the abuser an “idiot”, whilst applauding “gentleman” Messi for the respect he showed River Plate.
"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."
