This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
July 17, 2020
Barcelona's Lionel Messi has expressed disappointment over the team's LaLiga title loss to Real Madrid, citing the need for improvement in the Champions League knockout stage.
Speaking after a lacklustre performance against Osasuna at the Camp Nou, Messi pointed out that Barcelona 'need to change a lot' if they are to knock out Gennaro Gattuso's Napoli in the Champions League last-16 second leg.
"We need a break and forget about this if we want to fight for the Champions League. We need to change a lot, otherwise, we will also lose against Napoli," a dispirited Messi told journalists.
Barcelona exited the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage in February and all focus is now on next month's Champions League last-16 second leg with Napoli, which is finely poised at 1-1 after Antoine Griezmann cancelled out Dries Mertens' opener in the first leg.
Messi also conceded that Real Madrid have been worthy 2019/20 LaLiga champions, citing their consistency and the team's injuries and dropped points.
"We've been pushing all season but we've been inconsistent all season too. I think Real Madrid did what they had to do. They've done very well since the break in play. Of course, we've had a lot of injuries and many points that we've dropped in games that we shouldn't have and now we have to be self-critical over the summer and look back at the mistakes we've made," Messi added.
