In the 2007-08 season, Manchester United and FC Barcelona met in the semi-finals in the Champions League. Paul Scholes, the scorer of the only goal of the tie, revealed in 2015 that the result would have been different if his foul on Messi had been given a penalty.
After a 0-0 in the first leg, Barcelona were knocked out by Manchester United courtesy of a Paul Scholes goal. Gianluca Zambrotta lost possession and Paul Scholes picked it up to strike an unstoppable shot. 1-0 and United went through to the final where they ended up winning the Champions League.
Scholes, a United legend, revealed years later in a column in 'The Independent' that he fouled Messi in the box. A penalty which wasn't given and was hardly protested. The images do not make it clear if it was a penalty, since the foul was given on the edge of the area. Scholes looked relieved nevertheless. For him, it was a penalty.
"It was a moment I will never forget. He came by my side, I stuck my foot out and Messi came near. It was the second leg at Old Trafford in the 2008 semi-final. We were 1-0 up and I fouled him in our box. When I think about that victory, I always remember that tackle. Yes, I scored the only goal of the tie. It was one of my best goals. But I will never forget those couple of seconds when I fouled the best player in the world. I was expecting the world to fall on top of me," he wrote in 'The Independent'.
"It should have been a penalty, but for the same reason, the referee didn't give it and the game went on. Even Messi didn't protest much. The relief was overwhelming... and I could carry on playing," said Scholes.
The stroy is well known. Barcelona were knocked out after a horrible season, the club started a strong restructuring of the squad ... and the best team in history was born.