That’s some trick, Lionel

MADRID — Lionel Messi attracted global attention with the trick penalty kick he pulled off with Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez in the latest round of the Spanish league.

Messi took the spot-kick on Sunday but, instead of a shot, he simply rolled the ball to the side for Suarez, who rushed in from outside of the box to easily score past the Celta Vigo goalkeeper.

The play divided opinion, seen as either part of the soccer spectacle or disrespectful to the opposition.

“I don’t think it was disrespectful,” Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said. “It’s unusual, but it can be done that way. We have always respected our rivals and the players we play against. I don’t think there should be a debate about this.”

The play happened with Barcelona leading 3-1 at the Camp Nou, going on to win 6-1.

“I was bothered because they scored, not because of the way they did it,” Celta defender Gustavo Cabral said after the heavy defeat.

Celta coach Eduardo Berizzo said it was a “different” way of taking the penalty, “nothing more.”

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique admitted that some people won’t like what was done, but “it’s a legal play.” He noted Barcelona players always think about the “spectacle,” not only about winning games and titles.

Home fans certainly liked what they saw, and the play quickly went viral on social media. The play became famous after Johan Cruyff did playing for Ajax in 1982. Many said Messi was paying a tribute to the former Barcelona idol.