A compilation of the worst tackles inflicted on PSG star Lionel Messi has surfaced after the Argentine was on the receiving end of a terrible challenge on international duty last night.
The 34 year old was crunched by Venezuela's Adrián Martínez in a World Cup Qualifier, with the latter catching Messi's shin with his studs. After a VAR check, Martínez was sent from the field of play but, thankfully, Messi was ok.
The latter had only been on the pitch for a few minutes and was lucky to not suffer a career-ending injury, such was the horror of Martínez's tackle.
This is not the first time the six-time Ballon d'Or winner has been on the receiving end of these kind of tackles.
Several videos, including one which has gained traction online in the last 24 hours, show the extent to which the former Barcelona ace has been targeted and fouled throughout his career.
The compilation in question features ugly fouls from the likes of former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, ex-Real Madrid star Marcelo and Messi's PSG teammate, the infamous Sergio Ramos.
The fact Messi is still able to play at such a high level after these tackles is remarkable and proves that the player is as tough as he is technical.
"(Fouling is) one of the only ways that ALMOST worked TO STOP HIM," someone commented on the YouTube video, which has amassed over 40,000 views.
"Has FIFA approved the tackling of Messi?" another said. "It seems like the green light was given to managers and CEOs to OK that and to urge their players to foul him every game.
I mean this is what we have witnessed over the years, there has not been one game Messi played without being fouled a number of times!"
Whilst many of these incidents took place while Messi was at the Camp Nou, it seems like he'll face similar brutality at the Parc de Princes.
According to ESPN, Messi was the most fouled player on the pitch when making his debut for PSG, a stat made even more extraordinary by the fact he played for just 24 minutes.
After surviving Martínez's challenge last night, Messi will hope to be involved in his nation's next World Cup Qualifier against great rivals Brazil on Sunday.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Barcelona, PSG, Messi, Argentina