Crespo cools Messi row

Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo has attempted to defuse the tension ahead of his side’s Champions League return clash with Barcelona.

The main talking point of the first leg of the last-16 tie, which Barcelona won 2-1, was the sending off of Asier del Horno after an incident involving Lionel Messi.

Crespo’s 19-year-old Argentina team-mate Messi was accused of playacting and with no love lost between the clubs, the second leg at the Nou Camp next week could be an explosive affair.

But Crespo, who met up with Messi for Argentina’s international against Croatia in Switzerland in midweek, told The Sun: “We weren’t annoyed with him when Del Horno was sent off. It is the stuff of football and often happens.

“What is undeniable is I saw Lionel’s legs in Switzerland and the bruises were still there.

“Messi was never afraid despite his youth and small physique. That is worthy of respect. I thought he was very courageous.

“What hurt most was suffering our first home defeat in about 50 games since the arrival of Jose Mourinho.”