Watch Lionel Messi headbutt, throat-push player

During Wednesday’s preaseason friendly between Barcelona and Roma, there was a stoppage of play that lead to a strange altercation between Lionel Messi and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. We won’t find out until later what this was actually about, but Yang-Mbiwa must’ve said some sideways stuff to the Barcelona forward that he took exception to.

That’s a headbutt and a chokehold. From Lionel Messi. Kind, sweet, affable Lionel Messi.

I guess all of that bombing up and down the pitch with defenders going into tackles with the sole intent of taking you out of the game gets to you.

It could also be the new sleeve of tattoos. Whatever it is, I’m all for it. More please.

(Thanks to FutMomento for the Vine.)