What would have happened if Messi had been given a penalty in 2008?

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.