sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

David Hovorka’s Priceless Reaction To Successfully Tackling Lionel Messi Off The Ball

David Hovorka’s Priceless Reaction To Successfully Tackling Lionel Messi Off The Ball

After Messi's failed tackle on David Hovorka, a fan called it the "exact moment a Slavia Prague player sent Messi back to Newell Old Boys."

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Slavia Prague defender David Hovorka roared in excitement after he successfully tackled Barcelona captain Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona captain, 32, opened the scoring against the reigning Czech champions in their Champions League clash at the Sinobo on Wednesday night.

While Slavia Prague lost 2-1 on the night, Hovorka had two brilliant moments against Messi in the match.

The 26-year-old Czech defender kept pace with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner going into the box and his brilliant tackle knocked the ball out of play.

But Hovorka was clearly in his element as he leaped back to his feet and roared at Messi.

The Argentine superstar also had a tough time dealing with Hovorka in another incident when he tried to pinch the ball away from him.

Hovorka, who had his back turned to the Argentina captain, dragged the ball back as Messi came lunging in for a challenge.

Twitter user Jack Robinson tweeted the clip and said that it was the "exact moment a Slavia Prague player sent Messi back to Newell Old Boys."

And his tweet prompted a response from Slavia Prague's English Twitter account, which responded with a winking face emoji and a simple message: "His name was David Hovorka."

Slavia Prague hit back against Barcelona in the second half when Lukas Masopust's pass found Jan Boril, who poked the ball past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Messi helped restore Barcelona's lead when his free-kick found Luis Suarez at the back post and the striker's cross-shot bounced off Peter Olayinka into the back of the net.

However, the Barcelona captain missed an incredible opportunity to seal a 3-1 win for his side in the 74th minute.

PA

Barcelona's 2-1 win moved them three points clear at the top of Group F after Inter Milan picked up a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the San Siro.

Dortmund and Inter Milan are level on points at four apiece, while Slavia Prague are bottom of Group F with only one point.

Barca will return to La Liga action next Tuesday when they host Real Valladolid at the Camp Nou.

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport