It’s just funny that intent is only used to defend that dude
Thierry Henry on the VAR check involving Lionel Messi:
🗣️ “I’ve seen a lot of people saying that should have been a red card, but for me, intent is very important when you analyse these situations properly.”
“When you watch it again, you can clearly see that Lionel Messi is focused on the ball and trying to make a football action, not trying to hurt anyone.”
“Yes, there is contact. Yes, it looks awkward. But not every collision is a red card.”
“That’s exactly why VAR exists — to slow everything down and determine whether there was any malicious intent or serious foul play.”
“The officials looked at it carefully and in the end didn't even believe it was worth a yellow card.”
“People are reacting because it’s Messi. If it was another player, I don't think there would be nearly as much controversy.”
“For me, it was accidental, unfortunate, and nothing more than that.”
“Football is a contact sport, and sometimes incidents look far worse in real time than they actually are.”