Lionel Messi holds rare press conference and apologises for Barcelona’s collapse at Liverpool
LIONEL MESSI held his first press conference in four years – and spent it apologising for Barcelona’s collapse at Liverpool, one of the “worst experiences” he has endured in football. The Argentine legend, 31, faced the media alongside team-mate Gerard Pique to preview tonight’s Copa del Rey final with Valencia. But much of the talk […]
LIONEL MESSI held his first press conference in four years – and spent it apologising for Barcelona’s collapse at Liverpool, one of the “worst experiences” he has endured in football.
The Argentine legend, 31, faced the media alongside team-mate Gerard Pique to preview tonight’s Copa del Rey final with Valencia.
But much of the talk was about that Anfield night, as Barca threw away their 3-0 first-leg lead in the Champions League semi-final before switching off to allow Divock Origi an unlikely winner.
Asked about that evening, Messi said: “We were hit hard by it.
“We have to apologise for the second half of the match at Liverpool. Not because of the result, but because of how it looked and that we didn’t compete.
“It was one of the worst experiences in my career.
“Winning the Copa del Rey will be the best way to end the season.”
Messi also made reference to their similar capitulation at Roma last season.
But the club captain insisted the players are to blame, rather than manager Ernesto Valverde.
UNFORGETTABLE DEFEAT
And defender Pique, speaking to El Pais, added his thoughts on a “nightmare” evening.
He said: “On a mental level some were affected by what happened in Rome.
“The first goal came very quickly and suddenly the image of Rome appeared.
“Then they scored two more goals in quick succession and it starts to look too similar to what happened a year ago.
“It was very tough, it has been very difficult to pull ourselves back up because the days go by and you can’t forget this defeat.”
Messi also denied any suggestions that he will leave the Nou Camp this summer after another season of disappointment in the Champions League.
The Catalan giants last lifted the famous trophy in 2015 but have had to deal with a three-year domination from rivals Real Madrid.
STAYING PUT
But asked if he is considering moving, Messi insisted: “No, no, no.
“I have had problems with the national team and I still want to keep trying to win something there. The Champions League exit does not make me lose my desire to be here.”
Messi, Pique and their Barcelona team-mates will be desperate to put their European heartache behind them tonight when they take on Valencia.
Like Barca, Valencia were dumped out of a European semi-final by an English team this month as Arsenal booked their Europa League final date with Chelsea in Baku.
Valverde’s team won La Liga this season and are now looking for their fifth Copa del Rey in a row.
Philippe Coutinho is set to be available but unlikely to start while Jasper Cillessen looks to be in goal with Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffering a knee problem.
The final is being staged at Real Betis’ Benito Villamarin Stadium in Seville.
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But there was trouble with police last night as 23 people were arrested – they will be banned from entering the stadium later.
Spain’s national police Twitter account said: “Last night in Sevilla the @policia has arrested 23 people (who can no longer access the Final of the CopaDelRey) and seized blunt objects in incidents in the area of Nervión.
“There are 5 police officers slightly injured. SPORT is RESPECT, never violence.”
