The Argentina great still needs only two goals to achieve a combined 700 for the club and the country after registering at 4-0 Barca over Mallorca on Saturday.
Messi to achieve a combined 700 goals for the club and country
Barcelona head coach Quique Setien says that Leo Messi should be judged not only as his contribution to the goal but also as another milestone in his career. The Argentina great still needs only two goals to achieve a combined 700 for the club and the country after registering at 4-0 Barca over Mallorca on Saturday. Their first match with La Liga returned after the postponement of top-flight football in Spain as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Lionel has a chance to reach the next landmark in his sensational career in a home clash on Tuesday with Leganes behind closed doors at Camp Nou.
Setien acknowledged the astonishing achievement of Messi, who played against Mallorca, despite having knocked on training, is about to reach but said that Barca skipper should be praised for much more than just his goals.
Setien – Leo is the best player in the world
“Leo is fine. We need to evaluate not only the goals that he scored but also the rest of his contributions as help. That gives us a lot of points,” Setien said. “It is an astronomical number. I think he achieved 700 goals, and it’s, therefore, he is the best player in the world. “Setien reflects on several selection dilemmas before the competition as he looks to protect his squad from injury, given that they have just returned to action. Antoine Griezmann began in an attack against Mallorca, and Luis Suarez returned after an injury from the bench. With another game against Sevilla on Friday, Setien has not yet decided whether any forward will start against Leganes. “I have not decided whether Luis Suarez will start tomorrow. I have to talk to him.
We must be cautious; after long injuries, muscle problems can begin to appear. We must take care,” he added.
The team counts on Griezmann
“Luis Suarez can be one of the players to rest tomorrow or later. Fortunately, we have more footballers. We have a squad to adapt to the circumstances. Griezmann is undeniable, he is a great football player, we continue to lean on him, he will continue to perform a leading role because it is important for the team and the club, but there are other players that we must use. The game will be the first Barça played at home without spectators in attendance, and Setien hopes that the absence of fans will not interfere with the leaders. “We would prefer to play tomorrow with the support of our fans, but we know that it is impossible, and we must adapt. Football is losing its essence by playing in front of empty stands,” he said.
“I hope we don’t lose any intimidation factor because we don’t have our fans. The social factor would help us a lot. I hope it doesn’t do us much harm right now. We won’t have them with us.”