Messi scores 2 goals after dispute in South Korea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)—A dispute surrounding Lionel Messi and his obligation to play for Barcelona in an exhibition against a K-League All-Star team in South Korea ended with him making a 17-minute appearance and scoring two goals in Wednesday’s 5-2 win.
Barcelona traveled to South Korea without World Cup-winning players Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, David Villa and Carles Puyol, and coach Pep Guardiola said Messi would also miss the match. But promoters said Messi was contractually obligated to play for 30 minutes.
Messi came on as a substitute late in the first half and scored in the 43rd minute. He added his second goal in injury time.