Messi Hit in the Head with a Bottle

In the aftermath of Sergio Busquets’ 94th minute winner in Barcelona’s clash with Valencia at the Mestalla, Barcelona players went into a frenzy and joined the Spaniard to celebrate the match winning strike. During the celebrations, four time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi was hit in the head by a bottle that was thrown from the crowd.

The Barcelona players were celebrating by Valencia’s right corner flag when the incident occurred. When the players returned to the center for kick off, Messi was still on the floor clutching his head.
After being helped up by Rafinha, Messi complained to the referee but was subsequently booked for time wasting. Messi attempted to explain to the referee again but his attempts were futile. Messi departed the pitch before the final whistle due to a cut sustained in the incident.

Valencia have released a statement condemning the act of violence and promising to ban the perpetrator if he/she was found.