Lionel Messi Stamp Incident Denied by Pau Lopez Ahead of Espanyol vs. Barcelona

Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez has denied intentionally stamping on Lionel Messi's ankle during Wednesday's tension-filled Copa del Rey last-16 first leg.

During Barcelona's 4-1 victory at the Camp Nou—in which two Espanyol players were sent off—Pau clearly stood on the Argentinian superstar's right leg, per talkSPORT:

However, the 21-year-old stopper insisted there was no malice in the stamp and that he did not do it on purpose, per Spanish outlet Sport:

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I've never gone onto a pitch to cause damage to anyone. Anyone who thinks I go out onto a pitch to cause damage to a colleague in this profession does not know me well. Never, not now and not in the future. It was something that happens in the game, like the blow [Arda] Turan dealt to my head—no worries now.

"

Given that Pau appeared to quickly glance down at Messi's leg before standing on the 28-year-old, many have condemned the goalkeeper's actions, including Spanish football writer Andy West:

Indeed, La Liga expert Alexandra Jonson believes Pau deserves a suspension for his actions:

The second leg of the Copa del Rey tie is set to be played on Jan. 13 at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat and is likely to be another tense affair between the two Barcelona clubs.

Messi netted a double in the first leg, and it would take an extraordinary effort from Espanyol to overturn the three-goal deficit and advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa in Barca's place.