Neil Lennon admits being gutted at Lionel Messi injury as ‘I wanted his shirt’

Neil Lennon admits he was keen to get his hands on Messi’s shirt (Picture: Getty)

Celtic manager Neil Lennon says he is gutted Lionel Messi will not be playing against his side this week – because he wanted to pinch his shirt.
Barcelona superstar Messi has not travelled with his team-mates to Parkhead after picking up a thigh injury at the weekend.
But despite the omission of the world’s best player clearly helping Celtic’s chances of winning, boss Lennon wanted Messi to be involved, albeit for selfish reasons.
‘It’s tinged with sadness as it’s always good to see the best players here in Glasgow,’ said Lennon.

Plenty of players want to get their hands on Messi’s top (Picture: Getty)

‘I also wanted his shirt.’
Lennon’s desire to get his hands on the Argentine’s shirt is no surprise – Messi has scored 62 goals in 80 matches in the Champions League.
However, one of them came against Celtic last season – and even if their manager is not happy, the Hoops’ backline certainly will be glad that Messi is absent.
Still, he should be fit for the return match at the Nou Camp before Christmas.