Lionel Messi Selflessly Gives Up Hat-Trick To Let Antoine Griezmann Score In Remarkable Gesture
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Lionel Messi turned down the chance to grab his first hat-trick in over a year for Barcelona - by letting Antoine Griezmann take a 90th minute penalty.
The Argentine superstar scored twice in Barcelona's 5-2 victory over Getafe on Thursday night and he dominated throughout.
It was a performance worthy of a hat-trick and many thought he'd step up for a late penalty.
However, he decided to let Griezmann step up and smash past David Soria to seal an emphatic victory.
Griezmann thanking Messi for awarding him the penalty when he could've scored a hattrick :raised_hands::heart_eyes:pic.twitter.com/xU2TyatBqm
- TM (@TotalLeoMessi) April 22, 2021
Griezmann had missed a number of chances in the contest and looked ecstatic to finally grab a goal of his own.
Cameras caught the Frenchman approaching Messi and giving him a hug in heartwarming scenes.
Fans have reacted to Messi's act and they believe he's shown true leadership in helping a struggling teammate.
Messi, on a hat-trick, but gives up the penalty so that Griezmann can score. And Antoine makes it FIVE for Barça tonight! Job done :clap:
- TalkFCB :copyright: (@talkfcb_) April 22, 2021
OUR :goat:
OUR CAPTAIN
Messi who was on a hattrick offered to let Griezmann who was having a quiet game to take the penalty in the 92nd minute to boost his confidence.
LEADER:white_check_mark:. #BarcaGetafe pic.twitter.com/cbvneSHn0K
- Culers FCB (@CulersF) April 22, 2021
Messi has this selfless attitude :sob::sob::sob::sob: guy is not a glory hunter but team player...he had a chance for a hattrick but gave the penalty to Griezmann :raised_hands::goat:
- :flag_ls:Kabeloa Manong (@db_Mk21) April 22, 2021
This is such a wholesome and beautiful moment.
What a great gesture from Messi, to give up his hat-trick and let Griezmann take his earned penalty. And then a great penalty from Griezzy there!#BarçaGetafe pic.twitter.com/fmFz5OOXsW
- SoHoM ᴷᴷᴿ (@PawriHoraiHai) April 22, 2021
Griezmann's smile after Messi gave up his hat-trick penalty to let him take it pic.twitter.com/7uHL5M9KGQ
- B/R Football (@brfootball) April 22, 2021
Messi opened the scoring inside eight minutes before a Clement Lenglet own goal brought the visitors level.
A bizarre own goal from Sofian Chakla then put Barca ahead once again before Messi grabbed the second of his game just past the half hour mark.
Enes Unal scored a penalty to make it 3-2, but Ronald Araujo's header made it 4-2 before Griezmann's penalty sealed victory.
Ronald Koeman's side now sit on 68 points, just five behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid with a game in hand.
Featured Image Credit: Premier Sports
Topics: Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, La Liga
