adminMARCELONA. — Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has said he never doubted that Lionel Messi would soon be back among the goals as the Argentine struck twice to put Barcelona into the last 16 of the Uefa Champions League with a 3-1 win over AC Milan.
Messi had failed to find the net for three consecutive games after scoring Barcelona’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw between the sides in Italy two weeks ago.
But he ended his drought on Wednesday with a first-half penalty and then took his tally to six goals in just three Champions League appearances this season with a lovely dinked finish over Christian Abbiati seven minutes from time to seal the three points.
“I always saw him in the same way. Evidently, making comments about Leo when they are negative has its risks,” said Martino.
“He played a phenomenal game. He had spark, speed, ability in one-on-ones, everything. He is one of the few players in the world that you have to be careful with when you see him in a bad light because he can turn everything around in three days and put in a performance like today.”
Victory moved Barcelona onto 10 points after four games, five ahead of Milan with Ajax and Celtic one and two points further back respectively.
And with progress to the knock-out stages assured, Martino wants to wrap up first place in the group when Barcelona visit Ajax in three weeks.
“To finish first is what we are looking for.” — AFP.
Online Reporter