Lionel Messi was stunned by Valverde’s decision against Atletico Madrid

After his super human performance for Argentina mid week, Lionel Messi turned out for Barcelona as they faced Atletico Madrid in one of their biggest matches of the season.

Atletico boss has mentioned how Messi is a phenomenon and how he brings joy to so many people. But that didn’t stop him from instructing his players to get tight to him at every opportunity.

Messi didn’t have a great game for Barcelona as it was left to Luis Suarez to rescue a point with a smart heard in the 82nd minute.

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But both Messi and Suarez were shocked by coach Valverde’s decision to play Andre Gomes in the starting line up. The Portuguese midfielder has not had a great time at the Nou Camp, and is reportedly not a popular figure in the dressing room.

There have been reports that Gomes is very close to Messi’s arch rival Cristiano Ronaldo, which is why he is some times ostracized by the rest of the squad.

Neither Messi and Suarez want Gomes to start in the important matches and consider him a squad player at the best. Valverde though has a lot of trust in the midfielder, which is why he played in such a crucial fixture.

Speaking after the match, Valverde conceded that Messi was indeed tired and may need to be rested in the following matches.

“It’s true that Leo had some wear and tear because of the tension of the matches he has had to play, but we know that he always responds in any situation.”