Lionel Messi left Barcelona manager Luis Enrique looking foolish on Saturday when he ignored a request to come off during their match against Eibar.
Barcelona were winning 3-0 by the 76th minute and Enrique shouted and indicated to Messi that he was to come off and be replaced by Munir El Haddadi.
But instead of making for the sideline Messi gave the manager a thumbs up and then turned away and ignored him.
Enrique called to him several times before changing the substitution and bringing off Neymar instead.
Messi’s desire to stay on the pitch may have been due to him being just one goal away from equalling the all-time record of 251 La Liga goals, but it very publicly undermined Enrique and made clear where the balance of power lies between manager and player.
Enrique refused to criticise Messi after the match.
According to Tribal Football he said: “Throughout the season rest is important, but I think it is a special moment for the team and for him.”
"Sometimes I look on from the sidelines and say how lucky we are to have Messi.
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