Watch the video of Real Betis fans give a standing ovation and chant ‘Messi, Messi’ for that stellar performance on Sunday night.
Real Betis fans were mesmerized when Lionel Messi put in an unforgettable shift against their side at Benito Villamarin on Sunday night. The Blaugrana beat them 4-1 at their own backyard, courtesy to Lionel Messi’s hat-trick and Luis Suarez’s goal to secure another three points.
The visitors did not disintegrate the defenders to score a goal in the first half. Lionel Messi took a free kick from outside the box and beat the goalkeeper in his near post to open the account on Sunday. It was followed by the second goal just moments before half time.
Luis Suarez’s execution to find Lionel Messi with a back-heeled pass took the defenders by surprise who had to just watch the ball being diverted into the back of the net by the Argentine.
Barcelona’s number 9 ran past four players in a brilliant counter-attack and placed the ball in the bottom corner to give no way for Real Betis to get back into the game. The hosts did pull one back in the 82nd minute, but the Blaugrana were desperate for another goal before the final whistle.
Lionel Messi carried the ball from the midfield and passed the ball to Jordi Alba. The full-back returned to him, but Barcelona’s skipper embarrassed the goalkeeper and defense by looping the ball over and complete a resounding hat-trick.
Barcelona’s goals were of the highest quality and the home fans acknowledged the Argentine’s humungous performance by chanting “Messi, Messi” in the stands.
REAL BETIS FANS CHANT ‘MESSI, MESSI’
Video footage clearly shows that the fans were chanting about Lionel Messi when their side were in action against Barcelona.
Now, that is what football is all about. Despite witnessing their side get thrashed, Real Betis fans were quick to applaud the superiority of the opposition which does not happen at many places.
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and many other fans were quick to spot that applaud and tweeted about Lionel Messi’s incredible display against Real Betis.
With that hat-trick against Real Betis, Lionel Messi has scored 45 for Barcelona and has other six in the bag for his country. The Argentine International has contributed 60 goals to his side this campaign which is 24 more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.
When Lionel Messi was asked about the appreciation from Real Betis fans in the post-match interview, he said “No, I can’t remember that happening before. “I am grateful, we are always treated well when he play here.”
Ernesto Valverde was blown away by the performance of Lionel Messi against Real Betis. The Spaniard said that not many would receive the acknowledgment from the opponent fans in the post-match press conference “Leo’s match has been extraordinary. He scored three goals and could have scored a fourth.
“It’s evidence of the player he is. Despite the opposition being on the receiving end, we are all enjoying this era of his, which is unequalled. It’s significant that they cheer him; it’s an acknowledgement.”
Barcelona’s Skipper will be hoping for a reminiscence at Old Trafford when he faces Manchester United in the Champions League Quarterfinals. The Argentine did end up on the losing side, but his individual performance was of the highest order as Paul Scholes even said that he maintained some distance between himself and Messi during that game.
