Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez was on the spotlight for stomping on Lionel Messi on Wednesday evening in a heated encounter against their rivals FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The two sides were facing each other for the second time in less than a month. In the footage, the Ballon d’Or nominee did not seem to be a threat to Espanyol’s goalkeeper, but that did not save him from being stomped.
Messi scored two goals in the match and provided an assist to Gerard Pique, who netted the third for the Catalans, while Neymar sealed the victory. In what looked like a serious and intentional stomp that could send the Argentine to yet another major injury setback just a few months after returning from injury, keeper Lopez did not seem bothered by his actions. While keeping his eyes on the ball, he mischievously directed his right foot and stepped on Leo’s right leg.
Watch the shocking footage below:
Pau López a arriscar o vermelho e uma lesão grave para Leo Messi... #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/8X49sXv8wW
— Pontapé de Saída (@PontapeDeSaida2) January 6, 2016
The match ended 4-1 in favor of the hosts and Luckily enough for Barca fans, the 28-year-old did not show any signs of injury after the stomp.
Here are some reactions from football fans on Twitter:
Bad Gesture from Pau Lopez on Lionel Messi. https://t.co/S0f92t067r
— Spanish La Liga News (@SpanishLigaNews) January 6, 2016
Pau López looked where Messi's leg is and stomped on it. That was done on purpose.
— sakrs (@sakhiltunen) January 6, 2016
Espanyol GK Pau Lopez just took a completely unnecessary and strong step on Messi's leg, yes, their goalkeeper.
— BarcaBlaugranes (@BlaugranesBarca) January 6, 2016
Pau Lopez Espnayols GK should've been sent off, he intentionally and repeatedly stomped on Messi ankle....
— El Maestro (@ElMaestrofcb) January 6, 2016
Pau Lopez wanted to injure Messi,He will be suspended for at least 2 matches after this game
— MascheranoStats (@MascheranoStats) January 6, 2016
Pau Lopez needs to chill
— florencia (@florencia_messi) January 6, 2016
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