The image of Lionel Messi lying on the ground behind the barrier taking a free kick in yesterday’s match against Manchester City angered Rio Ferdinand. The former English player, now a television commentator, considered the situation disrespectful.

“We couldn’t believe it. He’s one of the best players in history, if not the best. The moment Pochettino practically asked to do it, someone should have come and said ‘No, no, no, not Messi. You can do this.’ ‘Messi,’ the former Manchester United defender told BTSport. The commentator also talked about the Argentine’s first goal for Paris Saint-Germain. “The rhythm, the strength, the balance and the technique he used to put the ball where it was placed…is massive,” explained Rio Ferdinand, who also praised Ashraf’s work. “Hakimi’s performance is very important because he takes the defender behind him. When you have players like Hakimi, who are wreaking havoc like this, they open up spaces that someone like Messi can exploit.”