Al-Nassr React angrily to Messi taunt Aimed at Ronaldo

Al-Nassr have been quick to condemn said actions, which they consider to be a slight on Portuguese superstar Ronaldo. The club has said in an extraordinary statement: “We would like to point out that Al-Nassr Club has always been welcoming to its visitors, fans and lovers, and throughout its long history its doors have been open to all.

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However, what happened inside the dressing room at the First Park Stadium, in terms of individual (irresponsible) actions, is unacceptable by some people who do not appreciate the value of the party they represent, nor the place and entity that left it.

“They did not respect its fans. We would like to clarify that we at Al-Nassr Club Company have directed the concerned internal departments to immediately address the issue to preserve the club’s literary, moral and material rights, with full assurance that the club’s doors and all its facilities are open to every fan as long as they comply.”

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner headed into the historic tournament in the Middle East aware that he could be facing a last shot at claiming a global crown. Tension built steadily as a result, especially once Argentina recovered from a slow start to reach the knockout stages, with passion coming to the boil in a last-eight showdown with the Netherlands that saw 17 yellows and a red card handed out before Messi and Co finally prevailed in a penalty shootout.

Messi took to cupping his ears in the direction of Van Gaal after netting from the spot in normal time, following comments from the Dutch coach regarding Argentine icon Juan Roman Riquelme, with the all-time great telling Urbana Play of his actions: “I don’t like what I did, I don’t like what happened afterwards. These are moments of a lot of tension, and a lot of nerves. It is very quick and people react the way they react. Nothing was planned, it just happened.”

Lionel Messi added on his angry tunnel exchange with Weghorst, who took the tie to extra-time with two late goals: “I reacted that way. There had been many things with this player, moments of tension like these… I was in the mixed zone, it had just happened. I don’t like to leave that image, but these things happen.”

The fan involved has issued an apology on his social channels, saying: “I apologise if the photo bothered you. The situation was a joke and I made a mistake.” Ronaldo was not in action for Al-Nassr as they played out a 1-1 draw with Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League, having been struck down by a virus, but could return to Pro League competition on Friday against Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.