Rio Ferdinand was left stunned as Lionel Messi took up a position on the floor behind Paris Saint-Germain's wall to defend a free-kick during their 2-0 win over Man City.
Messi scored a sensational goal – his first for his new club – as Pep Guardiola’s men were beaten in their second group stage game.
Ferdinand was left perplexed as to why PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino would use his playmaker in a defensive wall with his back to the ball.
“This doesn’t happen to Leo Messi,” Ferdinand exclaimed on BT Sport. “No, no, no, no. You can’t.
“It’s disrespectful, I wouldn’t have it. “If I was in that team, I’d have to say, ‘Listen, I’ll lay down for you.”
“Sorry, I couldn't have him laying down like that. I can’t see it. “He don't get his kit dirty, that's not what Messi does.” The Argentine legend's goal was of course the main talking point.
However, approaching full-time, fans and pundits picked up on the fact that Messi took up a position on the floor to prevent Man City from attempting a low shot with a late free kick.
Rio Ferdinand reacted on BT Sport: “The moment Mauricio Pochettino asked him to do that at the training ground, someone should’ve gone in there and said, ‘No, no, no, no, no, no.”
Messi’s goal was the main talking point of the match and City coach Pep Guardiola said the Argentine just needed some rhythm.
“We know it’s impossible to control Leo all 90 minutes. Of course, he came back from some injuries, which is why he needed a bit of rhythm but we know him quite well and when he can run and be close to the ball he’s unstoppable.