Immediately after the final whistle blew, Antonio Conte raced onto the pitch to interact with Lionel Messi who starred for Barcelona, last night.
And the Chelsea manager has revealed what was said.
The Italian took his charges to the Camp Nou looking to progress to the Champions League quarter-final, following the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
But, barely a few minutes in, Messi – who else?! – opened the scoring. He then turned provider, assisting Ousmane Dembele.
In the second half, Messi bagged his second of the night, and 100th Champions League goal, putting the tie to bed.
Once match referee Damir Skomina blew the final whistle, Conte congratulated Messi, exchanging words with him on the pitch. He’s since revealed the pleasantries.
“It was mainly compliments, because we are talking about a player who continues to make the difference in a very clear way,” Conte told Mediaset Premium via Soccer La Duma.
While hailing the Argentine maestro as ‘the best in the world’.
“He is able to score 60 goals every season. I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to give him my compliment. We are talking about an extraordinary player – the best in the world.
Conte added: “I think the difference was made also by the fact, over two legs, we hit the woodwork four times.
“Fortune turned its back on us and I don’t think the result was fair tonight as we created many chances to score, but they were clinical on the counter with three goals.
“They are accustomed to playing the Champions League to the end, whereas for many of my team it’s the first Champions League and we need a lot of experience to compete all the way.
Messi’s brace continues his prolific goal-scoring form versus Premier League teams.
He’s now bagged 20 goals in his last 18 Champions League games against English opposition.
SportBible.com
