Messi holds no grudge over Filipe Luis tackle

Back in January the Atletico Madrid defender was sent off for a rather reckless challenge on the current Ballon D'Or holder.

After appealing the three match ban for the straight red card, Luis served a one match ban.

Since, Messi has spoken of how he believes the challenge had no real malicious intent. 

Speaking to Argentinian magazine El Grafico, Messi said: "It's unusual to get hit so high up, in the knee.

"These sorts of tackles are made with no intent to cause harm, but it's clear that the rules don't allow such excesses.

"It's up to the committee to judge [the length of the ban] and I don't think anyone acted in bad faith.

"I don't like talking about what happens on the pitch. The images show things that are difficult to figure out and even when they appear clear, you can't tell what the intent was, so why whip up controversy?" 

The pair will face each other again in the all Spanish quarter final tie between their respective clubs in the Champions League.