Messi's seven most memorable bust-ups

Following Barcelona's 3-1 defeat against Manchester Cityat the Etihad Stadium, Lionel Messi became embroiled in a heated row with Pep Guardiola's assistant, Mikel Arteta.
While not something most supporters would usually associate with the diminutive attacker, the bust-up wasn't actually the first time Messi had been involved in an altercation during or after a match.

We take a look at seven memorable occasions when the Argentine lost his cool:

1. Messi furious after Pau Lopez stamp

In last season's Copa del Rey game against Espanyol, Messi reacted angrily to Pau Lopez's apparent stamp. Teammate Luis Suarez intervened to stop the situation escalating and Messi potentially retaliating.

2. Face-to-face with Mapou

La Pulga went head-to-head with Roma defender Mapou when the Frenchman muttered something in his ear after the referee's whistle had gone. Both players seemed to engage in head-butting.

3. Wellington retaliates following insult

Meetings between Messi and the Malaga defender have always been interesting in light of the obvious difference in style between the two players, yet on this occasion it was even more feisty than usual, as an insult from the Blaugrana star led to Wellington pushing him to the floor.

4. Vila on end of punch

 

With frustration setting in for Barcelona, Messi lashed out at Jonathan Vila after the defensive midfielder robbed him of the ball.

5. Ball smashed at Bernabeu crowd

Real Madrid defender Pepe angrily gesticulated to the forward after he'd fired a ball into the crowd in a dangerous manner.

6. Confrontations on international duty

Messi has also been involved in altercations while on international duty with Argentina; namely against Uruguay and Bolivia.

7. Words exchanged with Arevalo Rios and Maxi Pereira

In games against Uruguay, Arevalo Rios and Maxi Pereira have both responded aggressively to Messi's behaviour, with the latter smacking La Pulga to the floor in an act of real violence.