Lionel Messi Stomp Denied by Pau Lopez as Barcelona Beat Espanyol in the Copa del Rey

Lionel Messi didn't earn the moniker "La Pulga" for no reason. Spanish for "the flea," the diminutive Argentine International is known for reaping havoc on opponents with his mesmerizing footwork and never ending hunger to score goals. If you're an opponent, that flea-like nature can become quite frustrating. It can lead you to do some regretful things, as was evident on Wednesday, when Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez appeared to stomp on Messi's leg during Barcelona's 4-1 victory in the Copa del Rey.

After a tussle in the box, Messi and Lopez were both relegated to their backsides. When Lopez went to stand up, his foot firmly planted on the right leg of the Barcelona number 10. However, Lopez denied that the stomp had any intent and insisted that it was simply an action that happens during the course of the game, according to Spanish Outlet Sport:

"I've never gone onto a pitch to cause damage to anyone," said Lopez. "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."

Two things here: first, if you watch the video, it appears that the goalkeeper looks directly at Messi's leg before making his next step, which means that it was an intentional act, or Lopez has really poor hand-eye coordination (considering his profession, the latter is unlikely). And two, if innocent, why even call out Arda Turan at all? Pointing the finger seems to only further insinuate Lopez for intentional wrong doing.

Perhaps it was the direct result of a frustrating evening for Espanyol. They were on the receiving end of 2 red cards, reducing them to 9 men, while Messi and company ran riot at the Camp Nou. The Argentine was involved in all 4 goals, scoring 2 and assisting 2.

The next leg between the two sides will take place at Estadi Cornella-El Prat on Jan 13, in what promises to be another feisty affair.