30 November 2023 , 14:23
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Lionel Messi has refused to take part in any television show featuring Jamie Carragher following their spat on social media, according to CBS Sports' host Kate Abdo.
The former Liverpool icon and the Inter Miami star were involved in a brief exchange on Instagram following Messi's high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Carragher criticised the move at the time causing Messi to hit out, and it appears the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner still hasn't let bygones be bygones.
The claims that Messi won't appear on the show were made during the CBS' Champions League broadcast which included a debate on who the better player was: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Carragher launched into a strong defence of Messi, claiming: "It was never a debate."
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"Ronaldo's nowhere near the level of Messi," Carragher added. "Ronaldo is one of the greatest goal scorers of all time, Messi's the greatest player of all time. It's not even close."
Carragher was challenged on his claim, to which he added: "Just because Ronaldo scored goals. Messi scored goals and was an unbelievable player. I just don't even think it's close."
In response to the former Premier League defender's claims, Abdo remarked that Carragher had been involved in confrontations with both players in recent years. "Messi called you a donkey, Ronaldo ignored you," she said, to which Carragher responded: "That shows I've got no bias!"
Abdo then claimed that Messi had been invited to appear on the show but had refused because of his feelings towards Carragher. "You know that we made an official invitation extended one to Inter Miami and we asked him to come on the show, do you know what the official response was," Abdo said.
"Apparently Lionel Messi will not be doing any television shows that Jamie Carragher is a part of."
Abdo's comments regarding Messi came following a previous admission from Carragher while appearing on Sky Sports. The ex-Liverpool defender was critical of Messi's move to PSG following an illustrious career at Barcelona.
“I had a little pop at Ronaldo early in the season. I didn’t think it was a great signing for United. And I said the example of Messi. I didn’t think Messi was a great signing for PSG…” Carragher said.
"I got a private message on Instagram,” he went on to add while revealing the message: "From the man himself. I will not be showing private messages, but he basically called me a donkey."
With the benefit of hindsight, Messi's move to PSG did little to help further his career. The 36-year-old moved to the French side having won almost every trophy and individual accolade available following over two decades at the club.
Messi would score 32 goals and register 35 assists for the club en route to lifting two consecutive Ligue 1 titles. However, the team would fail to win the Champions League, seeing Messi and the club part ways after two years following the end of his contract.
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The World Cup winner has since joined MLS side Inter Miami where he has already helped guide the club to its first ever silverware - The Leagues Cup.