Lisandro Martinez has reportedly nicknamed his new Manchester United team-mate Wout Weghorst ‘Bobo’ after the Dutch striker’s infamous fall-out with Lionel Messi.
Martinez and Messi’s Argentina knocked Weghorst’s Holland out of the World Cup on penalties in a quarter-final tie that soon turned ugly.
Weghorst, now on loan at Manchester United, came on as a substitute with Holland two goals down but scored a late brace to force extra-time.
The game was marred by ugly scenes after a huge brawl broke out before Weghorst’s equaliser and an iconic image of Argentina’s players goading their opposition after Lautaro Martinez‘s winning penalty was born.
Although Messi had actually run straight to congratulate goalkeeper Emi Martinez for his heroics, the Argentina captain was still heavily involved in the unpleasant scenes.
As Weghorst waited by Messi in the tunnel – to reportedly shake the PSG star’s hand and ask for his shirt – he was told: ‘Que miras bobo. Anda palla,’ which translates as: ‘What are you looking at, idiot? Clear off.’ The clip would soon go viral.
It was an ugly edge to Messi that had not been seen before, but Martinez still sees the funny side, nicknaming Weghorst ‘Bobo’ since his arrival at Old Trafford, according to SPORT.
It’s understood that no love has been lost and Weghorst does not mind the nickname despite the World Cup heartbreak.
After the events of the World Cup had simmered down, Weghorst joked that he was grateful that Messi even knew his name.
‘I always give everything and I did the same in the quarter-final,’ he told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf. ‘I fought against Messi and there were a few moments between us.
‘I think he didn’t like it and that it surprised him. But I have a lot of respect for him. He is among the greatest of all time.’
Weghorst seemed to insist their clash was a misunderstanding, and saw the funny side of the altercation with the now-World Cup winner.
He continued: ‘I wanted to show my respect for Messi after the game, but he didn’t want it.
‘I think he was still angry with me. Oh well, I see it as a great compliment that he knows my name now. Then at least I did something right.’
Weghorst completed his loan move to Manchester United in January and will remain at Old Trafford until the end of the season.
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
