Lionel Messi was let off the hook by his Argentina teammates, when he wasn't punished for messing up in training, unlike everyone else.
Messi might be one of the greatest of all time but it took until last summer for him to finally win a trophy with his national team, securing the Copa America in his third attempt at winning the final.
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The seven time Ballon d'Or winner, who pretty much secured that award win thanks to the Copa victory, quite literally inspired his countrymen to play better in that tournament, as they were determined to help him win his first international trophy.
It's already pretty obvious the respect the rest of the Argentina squad have for the 34-year-old and now they've given further proof of that.
In training the players had to keep the ball in the air, taking two touches with two body parts, but if they messed up they got hit by everyone else. However, when Messi messed up none of his colleagues rushed to hit him.
"The way they give respect to Messi is wholesome," one fan commented.
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"The Respect And Love For The Greatest Footballer," another added about the PSG forward.
"Messi didn't go hit Otamendi or De Paul either. Not playing their little games. Respecting other players himself. GOAT," a third astutely pointed out.
"This team really love MESSI and ready to fight alone with him till he retired at national football," a fourth opined.
And a fifth reckoned his brilliance in last summer's tournament was the main reason, saying, "They wouldn’t dare to be fair, they’re forever indebted to him for that Copa America campaign. Respect."
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South America champions Argentina are getting ready to take on European champions Italy at Wembley next week, in the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions match.
It's not just his current teammates who are willing to go into bat for Messi, with Cesc Fabregas recently defending his former Barcelona colleague.
The four times Champions League winner was being booed by PSG fans for his poor first season with the Ligue 1 club, and Fabregas defended his mate.
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"You're talking about a player [Messi] who has just arrived. PSG have never had a player like this in their lives," the former Chelsea player said.
"It's better to be grateful, to support him and not crush him. This year or next, these guys will bring you great moments."
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Paris Saint-Germain
Ryan Sidle