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Published 15:02 IST, April 9th 2020

Lionel Messi trolled by Ivan Rakitic? Fans think Croatian's days at Barcelona are numbered

Barcelona fans are speculating that Ivan Rakitic may be heading out the exit door at Camp Nou after he shared a picture of Croatia's victory over Argentina.

Reported by: Sujay Chakraborty
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Lionel Messi
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Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has seemingly risked the wrath of Lionel Messi fans by sharing an embarrassing picture of the Argentine on Instagram. Rakitic shared pictures from Argentina's humiliating defeat to Croatia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It is entirely possible that Ivan Rakitic was just reminiscing about Croatia's dream run in the World Cup where they ultimately lost to France in the final. However, this hasn't stopped Barcelona fans from assuming that this was an act of disrespect on Rakitic's part against Lionel Messi and that the Croatian's days at Camp Nou are now numbered.

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Rakitic and Croatia enjoyed a stunning World Cup 2018 campaign. Their group stage victory over Lionel Messi and Argentina is widely regarded as one of the best performances in the tournament. Despite Messi and co enduring a difficult campaign by themselves, La Albiceleste were completely dominated by Croatia, eventually losing 3-0.

A howler from Argentina goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero and a stunning strike from Croatia captain Luka Modric meant Lionel Messi was powerless to prevent a defeat. Ivan Rakitic himself displayed good form as he scored Croatia's third goal to seal his side's victory.

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Argentina did make it to the knockouts before bowing out of the tournament after their loss to eventual champions France. However, after the tournament, Lionel Messi announced he that he would be taking some time off national duty. Messi did return for Argentina in 2019 but endured another difficult campaign at the 2019 Copa America. 

Ivan Rakitic's latest post has seemingly irritated Lionel Messi fans who slammed the Croatian midfielder on social media. Furthermore, some fans even suggested that Rakitic has confirmed his Barcelona departure with the post.

Also Read | Lionel Messi Hailed As ‘Global Example’ By Sports Psychologist Tom Bates

Updated 15:02 IST, April 9th 2020