By AARON CRANFORD

As the old adage goes: there is no such thing as a friendly.

While Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 win vs. A.S. Roma in a friendly on Wednesday, more people were talking about Lionel Messi’s actions with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa after the match.

Messi thrust his head toward the French international’s during a confrontation, and subsequently after, the Argentine star cupped Yanga-Mbiwa’s throat before teammates stepped in before things escalated.

Both players were reprimanded, and on Thursday, Barcelona vice president Jordi Mestre said nothing more should be made of Messi’s headbutt or actions.

“It is what happens in football games,” he told reporters Thursday. “I think it is anecdotal and there is no reason for giving this chapter more importance.

“It happens and it will keep happening in the future. It is normal when you play football.”

Here are some more notes from around the world of soccer:

DIEGO COSTA DOUBTFUL FOR CHELSEA’S SEASON OPENER

Chelsea is unlikely to have the lethal Diego Costa in the starting lineup in its EPL opener vs. Swansea City Saturday. That’s because the forward’s status has been day-to-day for approximately 18 months now because of a nagging hamstring injury.

“Costa is not ready. It is not a good feeling for him, it is not a good feeling for me,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told ESPN FC. “I have to be honest and say that it is a bit of a concern. A player that didn’t finish the season and doesn’t start the season obviously doesn’t make me happy.”

With the 26-year-old forward unlikely to play, Mourinho will probably call on the services of Radamel Falcao or Loic Remy for Saturday’s game.

ROMA ADDS EGYPTIAN INTERNATIONAL MOHAMED SALAH ON LOAN

Domestic action in leagues across Europe is right around the corner, and A.S. Roma appears ready for opening day after adding an Egypt international to its arsenal.

Mohamed Salah has moved to the Serie A giant from Chelsea, where he appeared 13 times and scored two goals but wound up being loaned out to Fiorentina.

“I think Roma are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I’m happy to be in this team,” Salah told Roma TV after completing the move. “I think everybody here has ambition and everybody wants to win the title. Everybody will give their best to make the fans happy.”

Salah has made 37 appearances for Egypt, and at the young age of 23, the midfielder is expected to see much more of the international stage.

MANCHESTER UNITED MAY OFFLOAD JANUZAJ IF PEDRO DEAL PROGRESSES

Manchester United’s already busy offseason is not yet complete, as the English club could loan a promising talent if it receives a Spanish star.

According to the Daily Star, Adnan Januzaj could be set to complete a move to Sunderland because manager Dick Advocaat is keen on acquiring the youngster ahead of the new season.

However, the deal is currently in limbo due to Manchester United wanting to first complete the move for Barcelona winger Pedro. Barcelona is willing to let Pedro leave, but wants the English club to pay the $46 million release clause.

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Should Messi be punished for his actions? Worried about Costa staying healthy this season? How will Salah fare at Roma?

Share your thoughts below.