Joao Felix squares up to Lionel Messi during Barcelona loss to Atletico Madrid

January 10, 2020

The fixture, which was played in Saudi Arabia, put the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann against Joao Felix, Alvaro Morata and Saul Niguez.

Although Atletico took the lead, it seems Barca had successfully rattled one of their star players in the first half.

Footage of 20-year-old Felix squaring up to Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and even Messi himself was picked up by cameras.

The Portuguese forward is first provoked by Alba, who appears to poke him in the mouth, before having his hand slapped away.

In a separate incident, Felix exchanges words with Messi before Gerard Pique, Busquets and Suarez got in to separate the pair.

https://twitter.com/si_soccer/status/1215364538029236224

Wow – it takes some serious courage to get in the G.O.A.T’s face, but Felix did it. Unfortunately for him, Messi did his talking with his feet.

While Atleti took the lead through Koke in the 46th minute, Messi pulled Barcelona level just five minutes later, before Griezmann gave the Blaugrana a 2-1 lead.

Incredibly, Felix’s side were able to turn things around and advance to the final.

A late Morata penalty squad the match up with 10 minutes to go, before Angel Correa made it 3-2 in the 86th minute.

That sets up a Madrid derby in the Spanish Super Cup final, putting Atletico up against rivals Real.

Hopefully, Felix will leave more of a mark on that game. Even though he struggled against Barca, Los Rojiblancos did enough to win the match.