Ernesto Valverde has praised Lionel Messi’s desire to fight for Barcelona.
Lionel Messi made his debut for Barcelona in 2004 and has arguably become the best player to have graced this game.
In a world where footballers, move for money, the Argentine has decided to stay put with FC Barcelona right from the start to become the top scorer for the club and to become the top scorer in the La Liga history.
He has always has been unfazed by saving his team when tough challenges are thrown at it him more often than not. He has carried his team to several accolades and has won more than a handful of individual trophies during this stint.
To score more than fifty goals in the eleventh straight year shows how good he has been to the game of football and to the Barcelona faithful over the years.
In an interview with the Goal, Current manager Ernesto Valverde has spoken highly about Messi and names one “Competitive spirit” attribute which stands out the most from rest of the players.
“What I’d most highlight about Leo Messi is his huge sense of responsibility for the team. It shows in every game in every competition.
“What he does is not only difficult, but he does it again and again … That takes enormous mental strength.
“I have never known anyone with such an amazing competitive spirit.”
Messi has been able to muster 15 goals and 10 assists in all competitions till now, making it very tough for the others to overtake his tally. He was also awarded the Golden Boot for topping the score chart during 2018 calendar year.
Ernesto Valverde was appointed as Barcelona manager in 2017. His record with the Catalans has been impressive, leading them to the title-winning campaign last term. However, they are yet to stamp their authority in the Champions League football having been knocked out the Quarterfinals last season by AS Roma.
Currently, they sit at the top with three points adrift of the second-placed Atletico side who are ready to breathe down the neck of Barcelona. It has been the dominance of Barcelona in the League over the last decade, but they have made certain reinforcements to triumph the European trophy this time around.
By topping the group which consisted of Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur, they are now said to face Olympique Lyon in the Champions League Round of 16 which will be held next month.
Ousmane Dembele has been involved in plenty of headlines lately by turning up to the training in recent months. But, lately, the Barcelona forward has been committed to his work and has been excellent for them.
When he was asked about the French International and his talent he possesses,
“We have always said what a talented player he is. We wanted to see that talent on the pitch. And this year we’re getting to see a lot of what he has to offer, but I am still hoping that there’s even more.”
Barcelona will play Getafe on Sunday as they return to the La Liga action after the winter break.
