As Barcelona take Stuttgart tonight to finish what they started 3 weeks ago in Germany, the defending champions rely on Lionel Messi not only to get them past Stuttgart and into the last 8, but to actually retain their European title.
‘Leo’ scored a hat-trick in the weekend to collect 3 more points for Barca at home vs Valencia in La Liga, and his teammates are hoping he will carry on like that to destroy the Stuttgart defence line.
Goalkeeper Victor Valdes was 1st to speak of Messi’s role at the Catalan club: “He is the best in the world. What he contributes with his talent makes him stand out. He could become the best player in history.”
Mexican defender Rafa Marquez reckons Barca could still face difficulties if they are not fully committed: “We have to be very careful. Stuttgart are strong and will be the same as they were in Germany.
“We have to remember that what happened to Real Madrid could happen to us. We have to always respect the opposition and continue to work with humility.”
Former Barca and current Stuttgart player Alexandre Hleb said: “This was the one opponent I didn’t want, because I know Barcelona are so strong,
“Against any other team we could put up a fight and would have the same chances, but not against Barcelona.
“They play the nicest football and every player can decide a game on his own. We don’t just have to concentrate on Leo because of course he is the most dangerous player but on every other player, be it Xavi, Iniesta, Thierry, Pedro [Rodriguez] or Ibrahimovic. Even in defence they set a real standard.”
Messi himself though hinted he wanted Henry to start. “In the locker room we know that we are all important,” said the Argentine. “Henry has really helped with his work, his desire, his pressure. With him on the field the game changed.”
We also think Henry should start the game, even if it was at the expense of Zlatan Ibrahimovic himself. It would –of course- be all the better if they both started, but if we had to choose between one or the other. We think Henry would be more important for Messi to be more productive
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This isn’t a claim, this is true. Too bad he couldn’t win it all with Argentina to prove it. I think he will have to win a world cup to prove he is the best. Lets see what happens in four year.