Lionel Messi’s celebration was a dedication to his nephew. (AFP/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi’s telephone celebration during Barcelona’s 5-0 victory over Celta Vigo was a dedication to his nephew.

The Argentine opened the scoring with a sublime solo effort after 24 minutes but left fans puzzled with his gesture as he walked back to the centre circle.

Messi pointed to the stands and made a telephone sign with his right hand, sparking theories that he was referencing his ongoing contract talks with Barcelona.

But after the match, Messi’s entourage confirmed to Spanish media that the celebration was directed at the forward’s nephew, who had been trying to call several times during the day but the Argentine had not picked up his phone.


The win at Camp Nou has kept Barcelona one point clear at the top of La Liga, although second-placed Real Madrid still have a game in hand.



Barcelona now face the task of overturning the 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

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