Sergio Ramos Says Lionel Messi Pressured Referee at Halftime of El Clasico

Lionel Messi is one of the best players in the world, and Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos believes the Barcelona attacker may have used his stature to influence the match referee in Sunday's 2-2 Clasico draw at the Camp Nou.

"Messi put pressure on the referee in the tunnel at halftime," Ramos said after the match, per Spanish paper Marca. "I don't know if there were cameras, and I don't know if he would have made other decisions in the second half. However, it's important to leave these things on the pitch, you have to show respect."

Barcelona players and supporters likely felt aggrieved when Gareth Bale went unpunished for what appeared to be a red card-worthy offense on Samuel Umtiti in the first half. Sergi Roberto also received a red card in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, though his sending-off was arguably warranted for his foul on Marcelo.

Whether it was down to Messi's alleged conversation with the referee or merely a coincidence, Barca's luck turned around a bit in the second half.

Shortly before Messi's goal to put the Catalans ahead 2-1 in the 52nd minute, Luis Suarez got away with a foul on Raphael Varane.

"I fouled Varane a little bit because he controls the ball and I catch his foot," Suarez said, per ESPN FC's Sam Marsden. "But it was the referee's decision. It surprised me."

Marcelo also thought Jordi Alba fouled him in the Barcelona 18-yard box in the 76th minute, but the referee opted against awarding the penalty.

Considering both clubs had legitimate gripes with the officiating, a draw was probably the fairest result.