Leandro Paredes reveals an altercation with Messi in a heated PSG vs Barcelona clash in the Champions League 

Lionel Messi of Argentina, lifting Copa America 2021
Lionel Messi of Argentina, lifting Copa America 2021

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes has revealed how he once made Lionel Messi so angry during a Champions League game between Barcelona and PSG.

The incident occurred during a UCL last-16 encounter in 2021 when Messi was still at Barca. PSG won the game 4-1 in the first leg thanks to a masterclass by Kylian Mbappe despite a first-half penalty goal from Messi to give Barca the lead.

During the game, Paredes made a throwaway comment to his teammates, which Messi heard and reacted angrily to.

According to the midfielder, Messi’s reaction left him wanting to “go home”.

Speaking to Caja Negra via GOAL, Parades said:

“He got angry, because I had made a comment to my teammates, and he heard me, and he got angry.

“He became really angry. He f***ed me up. It was bad. He wanted to kill me and I wanted to go home.”

But the animosity between both players was quickly put to one side, with Messi forgetting the spat ever happened the next time the pair reported for international duty with Argentina.

Paredes added: “Afterwards, I saw him in the national team, and he acted as if nothing had happened.

“He showed me what he is like as a person. The relationship continued as it was.

“Now, when the conversation comes up, we talk about it and laugh, but he was really angry at the time – he wanted to kill me!”

Both players now play for the same team, with Messi joining the Parisians last season. Paredes signed for PSG from Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2019 and played 22 matches for PSG last season as they reclaimed their Ligue 1 title.