Lionel Messi: Barcelona captain addresses the fans at Camp Nou, says he doesn’t regret promising them the champions league last season.
Lionel Messi made the grand promise of bringing the European Championship to Camp Nou last season. He was confident that it would happen and to be fair, it almost did happen. However, like the years prior, Barcelona stumbled at the closing stages as the wait continued.
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The Spanish Champions were sitting comfortably with a 3-goal lead heading into the second leg of the semi-finals. However, in a repeat of the year before, Barcelona let go of a3-goal lead to lose the match in the second leg. Liverpool scored 4 goals to win 4-3. The season before that Roma scored 3 goals to level the score at 4-4 and take the game on away goals.
A non-playing Lionel Messi walks out onto the Nou Camp pitch to loud acclaim as the full Barcelona squad is 'announced' ahead of taking on Arsenal pic.twitter.com/uJVGFNr7H9
— Layth (@laythy29) August 4, 2019
Like last year, club captain Lionel Messi addressed the crowd once again. While he promised that Barcelona would continue to pursue success, both domestic and continental, he remained more grounded this time.
Check out the video:
Lionel Messi’s full speech! pic.twitter.com/XMQZVFf08q
— LioMessiStuff (@LioMessiStuff) August 4, 2019
Renewed hopes
Barcelona account BarcaTimes have provided the following translation:
“It’s difficult to say anything after last season. But I don’t regret anything and I will say the same thing.
“I back these players and the coaching staff we have. Together, we’re going to fight to win everything”
“Last season ended with a bitter taste, but we have to give value to La Liga, the eighth we have won in 11 years. That’s important and maybe we don’t give enough value to what we have done.”
“This club always goes for everything and this year won’t be any different. We are here with our hopes renewed and excited to get started. And I hope you (the fans) feel the same.”
Lionel Messi gives a rousing speech to Barcelona fans here at the Nou Camp ahead of playing Arsenal before siging off to rousing cheers: 'Viva Catalunya' pic.twitter.com/hbXDlwZHv1
— Layth (@laythy29) August 4, 2019
It is true though. Barcelona and Messi personally had a phenomenal season where they almost took the league without losing a single game. However, the finish left a lot to be desired. The Champions league knock out and the Copa del Rey final loss washed all the memories of the league and the club were left to rue all the chances they missed.
Barcelona are aware that the fans are losing patience. The La Liga will always be cherished but European glory is what they truly desire. Lionel Messi will hope to enjoy success similar to last year and this time nail the crunch situations to go all the way this time.
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