David De Gea Drops The Biggest Howler To Gift Lionel Messi A Goal

It just had to be him, didn't it? Lionel Messi has been at his scintillating best in tonight's Champions League quarter-final, while goalkeeper David de Gea has had a bit of a nightmare, to be honest.

Messi opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Ashley Young needlessly lost possession and the magician capitalised, nutmegging Fred before slotting away a wonderful individual effort from just outside the area.

It was the 32-year-old's first goal in a Champions League quarter final since April 2013, and what a way to do it.

Four minutes later, the five time Ballon d'Or winner found the net again but with a much weaker effort.

His shot fumbled under the Spanish goalkeeper, putting Barca 2-0 up on the night.

It was a cruel second goal to concede for Manchester United, who looked to be on the front foot early on.

Marcus Rashford hit the bar in the opening minutes of the game, while Scott McTominay fluffed a chance in the box.

But De Gea's costly mistake was the biggest talking point on social media:

Thoughts on De Gea's mistake?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Nou Camp, David De Gea, Football, Manchester United, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, England, Fail, Champions League, Spain

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_