Sports
Messi: It feels good to be back
Barcelona star Lionel Messi was delighted to play 90 minutes on his return to the starting XI as his side thrashed Roma 6-1 in the Champions League. The Argentine, who captained Barca with Andres Iniesta not playing, scored twice, had another goal disallowed and set up a goal for Gerard Pique on Tuesday.
Messi felt strong on his return to the line-up and urged his team-mates to maintain that level of performance after Roma were put to the sword, as the hosts secured first place in Group E with a game to spare.
Read also: UCL: Barcelona, Bayern, Arsenal, Chelsea go goal crazy
“It felt good to play the 90 minutes,” he told UEFA. “Little by little I am feeling better. I am happy with the result and to have played 90 minutes. We are happy with how things are going but there is still a long way to go.
“We will try to keep our level up. I am really happy for all the praise I get, but I just want to keep helping the team and hopefully we can reach our objectives at the end of the season.”
Messi was on a hat-trick when fellow forward Neymar took – and missed – a late penalty which was converted by Adriano on the rebound.
“Neymar was the penalty taker and for that he took it,” said Messi.
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