Alexis Sanchez reveals Lionel Messi cried after Champions League semi-final defeat to Chelsea

ALEXIS SANCHEZ says his former Barcelona co-star Lionel Messi broke down in tears after their Champions League semi-final exit in 2012.

The Argentinian magician missed a penalty that would have put Barca in the driving seat at 3-1 as his effort crashed against Petr Cech's crossbar.

Minutes later, Fernando Torres had the entire half to himself, rounding Victor Valdes and scoring that famous goal that sealed Chelsea's place in the final.

Sanchez started that game against the Blues and scored late on but it was disallowed as Dani Alves was ruled offside.

He told Sky Sports: "You might cry during a game if you lose a final. That's all part of football. In the Barcelona dressing room after the Chelsea game, I saw Leo cry.

"That's because players demand so much from themselves. People don't see that."

Speaking to Sky pundit Thierry Henry, Sanchez explained the struggle of growing up in a rough neighbourhood and how football can be an escape.

He said: "I think football saves many people. It can give you a life of luxury, but people don't see all the effort that goes in behind the scenes."

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But it always includes some sacrifices, Sanchez added: "That might mean not seeing your family, or missing your mother's birthday, many players are so focused that they miss the birth of their children.

"Sometimes people say things such as, 'He's got too big for his boots' or say, 'He's changed'. You buy a flash car and people say that you're a show-off."