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Barcelona news: Watch Lionel Messi REJECT referee offer after controversial Girona call
BARCELONA star Lionel Messi was caught on camera making his feelings towards referee Jeses Gil Manzano clear after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Girona.
Lionel Messi RAGES at referee as Barcelona fail to win
The Catalan outfit lost their 100 per cent record last night after a controversial refereeing decision at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona were a goal to the good in the first half thanks to a 19th minute Messi strike.
But before the interval, Girona were handed a lifeline when Manzano showed a red card to defender Clement Lenglet.
The Frenchman won the ball in a 50/50 tackle with Girona attacker Pere Pons, who subsequently received an elbow to the head during the collision.
Manzano initially awarded Barcelona a free-kick before using VAR to overturn the decision, claiming Lenglet had intentionally caught the Girona star.
And eagle-eyed fans noticed what Messi did after the full-time whistle when approached by Manzano.
Video footage shows the referee walking up to the Argentinian, offering out his hand for a handshake.
But Messi refused Manzano's offer, instead opting to give him a piece of his mind.
The Barcelona forward is urged to leave the pitch but returns for a second pop at the official, who continues to gesture towards the dressing room.
Messi's team-mate Sergio Busquets was also incensed at the decision.
“Maybe there’s contact, you can see that in the images, but the ball’s on the ground and the movement Clement makes is a natural one,” he said at full-time.
”It’s not an act of aggression, he wasn’t looking to do that.
Until the red card things were going well for us
"Even the Girona player apologised because he made a foul. VAR has to be used in the correct way and with consistent criteria.
”Until the red card things were going well for us.
"After that, with one man less, it’s harder, especially when we go behind.
"We tried, we got level again and we looked for the win but it was tough with one less."