Messi defends, Messi attacks: Five things we learned from Sevilla 2-2 Barcelona | Squawka
That may sound ridiculous, but it’s honestly true (the same also applies to Argentina). When Messi is on the field, not only is he an incredible attacking force but his mere presence terrifies opponents. They are more hesitant to throw bodies forward and adopt an aggressive approach because they know that the best player in the world will likely slice them to pieces at the other end.
Witness Sevilla’s reaction once Messi came onto the field. Instantly they were throwing more bodies back into defence, worried about the Argentine’s creative potency. Read more.
Extraordinary Messi makes Barca less ordinary | Goal
The Argentine was kept in reserve for 57 minutes after injury, but managed to rescue a point for a battered Blaugrana still unbeaten in La Liga. With three minutes to play at the Sanchez Pizjuan, Barcelona were heading for their first defeat of the season in the Primera Division. And at that point, it was hard to say they did not deserve it.
Once again, an ordinary Barca had been saved by their extraordinary forward. Messi makes the difference time after time. Over the years, he has rescued his side on so many occasions and it is hard to imagine just where this team would be without him.
Valverde: Barça don’t think La Liga won, not at all | Sport
“We don’t think the league is already won, not at all,” Valverde told reporters after the game. “We competed until the very end here. We had faith that if we could get the first goal, we would be right back in the game.”
“The celebration which followed Messi’s goal shows the spirit we have in the team and the importance which we gave to getting the draw at that moment. We’re a team that doesn’t concede much. Conceding the second goal so soon [after halftime] affected us. We weren’t able to control their counter attacks. That’s not happened to us before this season.
Denis Suarez embodies the spirit of never giving up | Marca
As a unit, the Blaugrana didn’t give up, while Denis Suarez has embodied that spirit in the way he has worked his way back into Ernesto Valverde’s plans this season. This was his first official appearance since January 18, when Barcelona lost 1-0 to Espanyol in the Copa del Rey.
He fell out of favour and then suffered an injury during his outing in the glamour friendly of the Catalan Super Cup, but the midfielder has put in the hours on the training ground to regain Valverde’s confidence and to be trusted at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan.
Messi vs Ronaldo: Article 4132353 and counting | Barcelona Football Blog
Messi has scored 76 penalties during games, which make up 12.6% of all his goals, versus 101 for Ronaldo or 15.8% of his total goal tally. Interestingly Messi has taken 23 penalties less than Ronaldo but missed 2 more. It should come as no surprise to followers of both players that Ronaldo’s conversion rate from 11 yards is higher (83% vs 77%). Another interesting fact is that neither has ever missed a penalty in a Clasico (and they have taken plenty).
So there, penalties are done with. I don’t look down on the scoring of penalties but let’s be fair, you don’t have to be a great goal scorer to be a great penalty taker. More here.
Francesc and Dan discuss the latest Barca stories, including: What is next for FCB Femeni in La Liga following their Champions League campaign coming to an end? How can the FC Barcelona community help their women’s football team grow? Why has Umtiti not renewed his Barca contract yet?
Speculation has linked him with a move elsewhere, with big-spending sides in England and Spain said to be leading the chase, and Rabiot has done little to curb those rumours.
Speaking to Canal+ after helping PSG to a fifth consecutive Coupe de la Ligue triumph, he said when asked if he will be in the French capital next season: “I don’t know, we will see. But, for now, I want to enjoy every moment and every trophy with my club.”
Philippe Coutinho sends transfer message to Mohamed Salah | Express
According to Don Balon, the ex-Liverpool playmaker contacted Salah to explain that Barcelona are unlikely to swoop in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Spanish publication claim Coutinho informed his former team-mate that he has been earmarked as a replacement for Luis Suarez but will have to wait because the Uruguay international is staying for at least one more season.
Coutinho reportedly suggested to Salah that another excellent season will guarantee interest from Barcelona next year. Salah has scored 37 times in 42 appearances since joining Liverpool from Roma for a bargain fee of around £38million last summer.
