Aftermath of Barcelona-Loss: Man U defender Smalling says Messi knew the challenge that led to his bloodied nose 'was an accident'

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi's nose bloodied during the Champions League quarter finals match at Manchester United - Paul Currie/BPI/Rex/Shutter stock/ThrGuardian

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling says there is no animosity between him and Barcelona's Lionel Messi following Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final.


Forward Messi was left with a bloodied nose after a robust Smalling challenge in the first half of United's 1-0 loss.

"We spoke afterwards. We had a brief chat and shook hands," Smalling, 29, told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"He knew it was an accident."

Smalling added: "I didn't realise at the time that I'd actually caught him like that."

The return leg is at the Nou Camp on Tuesday.