‘I didn't ask Messi for jersey because of Argentina players' behaviour’

The Croatian winger Ante Rebic decided not to ask Lionel Messi for his shirt after their 3-0 rout over the two times World Champions due to the Argentine players’ poor behavior and conduct during the game.

Rebic opened the scoring in the second half with a stunning volley as he capitalized on the howler made by the Argentine goalkeeper Willy Caballaro followed by a screamer from Luka Modric and a calm finish by Ivan Rakitic that completed a resounding win for Croatia against the Albiceleste to confirm their place in the second round of the tournament.

Rebic admitted that initially he wanted to ask for the shirt of the five times Ballon d’Or winner for his friend who is a big fan of the little magician but eventually decided against it due to Argentina’s poor behavior during the game.  

“To be honest, I wanted to get Messi's jersey for my friend, who is a big fan of Leo,” the 24-year-old player told Goal, according to reports from Goal.com. “But the Argentines made such a bad impression on me that I gave up on asking Messi for his jersey.

“Honestly, I expected much more. At least of those players from the Premier League, who are used to a high tempo and duels. You saw Nicolas Otamendi - in the fourth minute Mandzukic passed by him and he was rolling on the floor. I am disappointed by their behaviour and lack of fair play, not to mention how they provoked us. An athlete should know how to deal with defeat.” Rebic concluded.