WATCH: Shock as Messi loses temper; head-butts opponent and grabs his throat

How Lionel Messi stayed on the pitch after this altercation during a friendly between Barcelona and Roma last night, we will never know.

No-one should get away attempting to head-butt an opponent and then putting a hand on their throat.

Amazingly, the Argentinian superstar was only shown a yellow card after clashing with former Newcastle defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa during the first half.

Messi is undoubtedly one of football’s all-time greats, but that’s no excuse for this display of temper.

The general reaction was one of shock at such an uncharacteristic display from the normally easy-going player.

Although there were suggestions he might be spending too much time with one notorious team-mate.