Celtic supporters left baffled as STV overlook famous Lionel Messi Parkhead defeat

The Argentina legend’s decision understandably attracted widespread coverage, but Celtic fans noticed that STV’s package focused solely on Messi’s most recent appearance at Parkhead in 2016.

The report said: “The Argentinian footballer trained and played at Celtic Park in 2016.

“Messi scored twice for Barcelona to beat Celtic 2-0.”

While both statements are accurate, the package overlooked Messi’s extensive history in Scotland – including arguably his most famous night at Celtic Park.

Messi played in Scotland six times during his career and faced Celtic on three separate occasions.

His first visit to Parkhead came as a 20-year-old in 2008, when he scored twice as Barcelona claimed a 3-2 Champions League victory.

But his most memorable appearance from a Celtic perspective came four years later, when Neil Lennon’s side stunned Barcelona with a famous 2-1 victory in November 2012.

Messi scored Barcelona’s consolation that night, just five days after the birth of his first son Thiago, making it his first goal as a father.

The Argentine had also previously played 90 minutes against Rangers in a goalless Champions League draw at Ibrox in 2007.

Messi returned to Scotland the following summer for two friendlies, scoring in Barcelona’s 6-0 win over Hibs at Murrayfield before netting a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice.

His final appearance on Scottish soil came against Celtic in 2016, when his double secured Barcelona’s 2-0 victory.