Louis Van Gaal has criticised Lionel Messi for the outcome in the Champions League Semifinals.
Former Barcelona manager Louis Van Gaal has pointed out Lionel Messi over Champions League failure, and adds on that he is more of an ‘individual player’ than a team player.
Barcelone were knocked out of the Champions League in a humiliating fashion, during the second leg of the Semifinals. They blew away a 3-0 lead, and couldn’t convert the chances during the first half in the return leg.
It came back to haunt them as a brace from Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum ended their hopes. Similarly, they were undone by AS Roma in the Quarterfinals, last season.
There were several criticisms on Ernesto Valverde, but Van Gaal believes that Lionel Messi should always partly take the blame.
“Look at Barca, how many Champions League titles have their won with the person they say is the best player in the world?” Van Gaal said in an interview with El Pais.
“Look at Neymar at PSG. How many Champions League titles have they won? Neymar and Messi are players I like as individuals but they aren’t team players.”
The Blaugrana have not won the Champions League in four years despite having the best player currently. He says that Messi should be questioned for that short outcome.
“Messi must ask himself why it’s been so long since he won a Champions League. He’s the best individual player in the world because his numbers are incredible. I like him a lot! ‘But, why hasn’t he won a Champions League in five years? Why? As captain, he should ask why his team hasn’t won in Europe.”
The 32-year-old had several chances in the second leg, but Liverpool’s shot-stopper Alisson Becker answered to his shots in every possible way.
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What’s next?
Lionel Messi will be determined the land the sixth at Nou Camp.
