Messi steps on opponent's calf from behind
What happened
While chasing the ball, Messi approached an opponent from behind. The opponent was already losing balance and falling forward. Messi's right foot came down on the back of the opponent's calf with studs making contact. The opponent was in a completely defenceless position — falling forward with no ability to protect themselves or react to the incoming challenge.
Why the law says so
This incident meets all three criteria for serious foul play under Law 12. First, the opponent was defenceless — falling forward and unable to protect themselves. Second, contact was made on a vulnerable area — the calf and ankle region from behind. Third, the challenge came from behind, which IFAB specifically identifies as requiring greater scrutiny. When a defenceless player receives contact on a vulnerable area from behind, the threshold for excessive force is significantly lower than in a standard challenge. Even moderate force becomes dangerous when the opponent cannot brace or react.
Key factors
- ✓Contact from behind — always viewed more seriously by referees and VAR
- ✓Opponent was defenceless — falling forward, unable to protect themselves
- ✓Vulnerable area — calf and ankle region, high injury risk from stud contact
- ✓No fair challenge possible — opponent was already falling when contact occurred
- ✓VAR would review this incident as a potential serious foul play red card