Some things never change! Former rivals Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos clash during PSG training on pre-season tour of Japan with Argentina star confronting the Spain defender following his rash challenge in front of thousands
When they were playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid, they were on opposing sides of one of the world’s most heated rivalries.
Despite the fact that they were now on the same squad, they couldn’t help but demonstrate that old habits die hard.
In a viral video, Ramos steps up and tries to take the ball away from Messi before he can sprint at him.
However, the 35-year-old Argentine looks to anticipate this and glides by the Spain defender, only to be caught by the trailing leg of the centre-back.
Former Barcelona great Messi, on the other hand, manages to stay on his feet and then rockets a right-foot shot into the bottom corner.
But the Argentine didn’t forget the harsh tackle and proceeded to speak with Ramos after giving him a sharp look.
Despite the feud between the two here, the Ligue 1 champions have had a fantastic pre-season thus far, going unbeaten this summer.
In a friendly on Monday, PSG defeated Gamba Osaka 6-2, with Messi scoring the fourth goal.
The French champions also defeated Urawa Reds and Kawasaki of Osaka, after beginning pre-season with a 2-0 victory against Ligue 2 side Quevilly-Rouen.
It marks the start of Messi and Ramos’ second season in France, with the duo battling injuries and form in 2021-22.
Due to a calf injury, Ramos only made 13 appearances in all competitions, while Messi only scored six league goals in 26 games.
Messi’s contract at the Parc des Princes expires next year, and he has been linked with a return to Barcelona as well as a move to David Beckham’s Inter Miami.