PSG midfielder Marco Verratti has taken aim at Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Verratti was sent off in the Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Real Madrid after receiving a second yellow card for dissent.

The Italy international conceded his reaction was wrong, but feels Barcelona superstar Messi would not have been punished for similar behaviour.

"I got it wrong against Real, but it was a red card out of frustration and sometimes referees could be more tolerant," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Whereas Messi goes around pointing his finger in the referee's face and doesn't even get punished."

Verratti added: "We were convinced we could go through, but then certain incidents happen.

"Being without Neymar is like taking Messi away from Barcelona."