Kyle Walker was caught in a heated exchange with AC Milan team-mate Joao Felix during their match against Napoli on Sunday.
The England international was visibly frustrated with the Portuguese forward's reluctance to distribute the ball.
As the players emerged from the dressing room for the second half, Walker was heard telling Felix: "Pass the ball, we are not Messi."
The confrontation came as Milan were trailing 2-0 at half-time, highlighting tensions within the struggling side.
Kyle Walker was caught in a heated exchange with AC Milan team-mate Joao Felix during their match against Napoli on Sunday
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Walker's advice appeared to have little impact, with Felix being substituted just 10 minutes into the second half.
Manager Sergio Conceicao made the change as he desperately sought to alter the course of the match.
Despite his tactical adjustments, Milan ultimately suffered a 2-1 defeat to Napoli.
The loss marks another disappointing result for the Italian giants, who have struggled to find consistency this season.
Walker to Felix "PASS THE BALL WE ARE NOT MESSI"😳😳😳 #Chelsea #ACMilan #NapoliACMilan #CFC pic.twitter.com/7UNFbZCuen
— The African Lad (@TheAfricanLad25) March 31, 2025
Walker himself was removed from the action in the 79th minute, capping off a frustrating evening for both players.
The England star, 34, initially made a positive start to his Italian adventure, going unbeaten in his first three starts with a defence that conceded just two goals.
However, his loan spell has since deteriorated significantly.
He was substituted at half-time during Milan's win over Verona and later dropped to the bench against Lazio last month.
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His performance against Napoli earned him a mere 4.5 out of 10 rating from Milan outlet Sempre Milan.
They criticised his defensive work, noting he was "certainly at fault on the second goal" and made "a big mistake for a player with his experience."
Felix, who also joined Milan on loan in January from Chelsea, has endured similar struggles since arriving in Italy.
The Portuguese forward made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut for the Rossoneri.
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However, he has failed to find the back of the net in his subsequent 10 appearances for the club.
His substitution early in the second half against Napoli underscores his current difficulties, with parent side Chelsea having a decision to make.
The former Atlético Madrid star's inability to recapture his form has contributed to Milan's disappointing campaign.
Milan's struggles extend beyond individual performances, with the seven-time European champions currently languishing in ninth place in Serie A.
Kyle Walker and Joao Felix have struggled since joining AC Milan back in the January transfer window
REUTERS
They sit a staggering 20 points behind league leaders and city rivals Inter.
The Rossoneri now face a crucial opportunity to salvage something from their disappointing season, however.
They meet Inter in Wednesday's Coppa Italia semi-final first leg at the San Siro.
