)
Lionel Messi refused an offer from CBS Sports to appear on their Champions League broadcast show in Miami on Wednesday night because ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was on the show.
According to CBS Sports' Champions League show host Kate Abdo, the eight-times Ballon d’Or winner did not want to be on the same show with Carragher and opted against the opportunity to appear on TV instead.
)
The CBS Sports Champions League show is arguably the most entertaining Champions League night show according to fans, and the regular crew includes host Abdo, Carragher, Thierry Henry, and Micah Richards.
What happened between Messi and Carragher?
)
Last year, Carragher disclosed that Messi had written him a private message on Instagram following his criticism of his move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Argentinean star purportedly referring to him as a "donkey."
Speaking on the CBS show in January 2022, the ex-Liverpool defender said, 'I had a little pop at [Cristiano] Ronaldo earlier in the season; I didn’t think it was a great signing for [Manchester] United, then I said the example of Messi; I didn’t think Messi's a great signing for PSG'.
And it seems like Messi is not ready to forgive him for the remarks, as Abdo asserted that Carragher was to blame for the Inter Miami attacker turning down a chance to participate in their Champions League broadcast after disclosing that CBS had sent him an official invitation.
'You know that we made an official invitation extended one to Inter Miami and we asked him to come on the show, do you know what the official response was,' Abdo quizzed the cast.
'Apparently Lionel Messi will not be doing any television shows that Jamie Carragher is a part of,' she revealed.
Carragher believes Messi’s refusal to appear because of him is a ‘claim to fame’
Carragher went on to address the incident on the show, calling Messi's refusal to appear on the show because of him a "claim to fame." He then went on to ask the audience if they would have rather seen him involved than the legendary soccer player.
Messi is currently enjoying the MLS off-season after helping Inter Miami win its first ever MLS Leagues Cup.
The Argentine star was last seen in action during the brawl-filled World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)