Lionel Messi believes Neymar’s departure was a blessing in disguise for Barcelona

Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona to PSG in the summer sent shock waves around the footballing world, as no one could believe that the French side managed to lure the Brazilian out of the Catalan club.

Neymar had won 2 La Liga crowns, a Champions League Trophy, and 3 Copa Del Rey Titles in his 4 seasons with the Catalan Club before making a big money move to Paris St.Germain earlier this summer.

The world record transfer was the ultimate statement of intent from the ambitious club as PSG finally propelled themselves into the global stratosphere.

Barcelona were stunned which prompted a last ditch scramble in the transfer market.

A few months after his departure, Messi spoke about his relationship with the Brazilian and how he still misses his friend in a video message.

“Well, Ney… I think we said practically everything to each other when you left. The truth is that here we are still missing you. We would like to keep sharing the mates [a South American hot drink] in the morning with Luis [Suarez] in the dressing room and many more things. Like always, I wish you the best wherever you are and I’m sure we will cross again on or off the pitch very soon. Take care of yourself.”

But things have worked out far better than even the most optimistic Barcelona fan could not have expected.

As of now, Barcelona have pretty much wrapped up the league and cup for this season, as it will be a shock of monumental proportions for the Catalan side to lose both trophies from this position.

With a game in hand, Barcelona have opened up a six-point gap between themselves and second placed Atletico Madrid. Defending champions, Real Madrid, are 16 points behind Barcelona, effectively ending their chances at another league title.

Barcelona are also in the Copa del Ray final, as they will look to lift the trophy for the fourth consecutive time.

Messi has in fact said in a recent interview that the departure of Neymar was in fact a blessing in disguise for the Barcelona side.

“Without Neymar we are more balanced. His departure led to a change in the way we play.

“We have lost a lot of our offensive potential but we have improved in defence. We have more balance and this allows us to be more solid.”

Not what Barcelona fans could have expected!