Barca star Messi cops the card he asked for

Lionel Messi has caused a stir with Slovenian referee Damir Skomina in Barcelona's 3-0 Champions League win over Juventus.

Barca were leading their Italian opponents 1-0 when the Argentine star was fouled from behind by Miralem Pjanic.

Messi was clearly incensed and immediately lifted his arm in an attempt to coax the referee into handing Pjanic, who had committed two fouls in the first half, a yellow card.

Skomina was having none of it, showing off a perfect example of the 'I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed' look.

The commentators were on board with the ref's decision.

"He's asking for a yellow card, and I think he will get one himself," the main caller said.

"Obligatory caution. You just can't ask for other players to be booked. The referee's got that one absolutely right."

As replays displayed Messi's aggrieved demeanour the other commentator weighed in, pleased with how quickly Skomina made his decision.

"Absolutely brilliant from the referee," he said.

"We've seen it so many times. Messi, phenomenal player, but you don't want to see that on the football pitch.

"Absolutely spot on. When you lift that imaginary card in the air, it's only right that you should get a yellow card yourself."

Barcelona went 2-0 up through Ivan Rakitic two minutes later.

Messi will have been happy to see Pjanic receive a yellow card in the 75th minute - after the all-time great scored a stunner for a 3-0 lead: