Posted on 04/18/2014 2:06:55 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
Former Barcelona captain Juan Manuel Asensi believes there is something bothering Lionel Messi, but he can’t put his finger on what.
Asensi has told La Xarxa that he doesn’t believe Messi is bothered by the delay in agreeing a new contract with Barcelona and nor does he feel the Argentina forward is already concentrating on the World Cup.
“I’m surprised and concerned. Something must have happened because Messi has always been committed to the most difficult games,” AS reports Asensi as saying.
“Something’s happened and it must be big because Messi’s attitude hasn’t been right in recent games. He must be going through something powerful.
“There’s something wrong with Messi. Something deep must be going on with him. I see the sad face and I’ve never seen him like this.
“I don’t think Messi is thinking of the money or the World Cup. I think something has happened.
“There’s a lot of time before the World Cup and as a former player, I doubt it’s the contract.”
Asensi played for Barcelona between 1970 and 1980, winning the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1979 and La Liga in 1973-84. A midfielder, Asensi won 41 caps for Spain.
Lionel Messi has found himself the subject of further criticism in Spain after being spotted yawning in training.
Barcelona's talismanic striker has found himself under attack in the Spanish press as the Blaugrana's season has crumbled in recent weeks, and has been accused of saving his energy for the World Cup.
Messi has been under increased scrutiny following Barcelona’s run of three straight defeats, with the latest blow a 2-1 defeat in the Copa del Rey final on Wednesday.
However, Valverde has leapt to the defence of the player and believes it is wrong so much is expected of the Argentina star considering he is always the most marked man on the pitch.
"What interests us is what Messi does Sunday, not what he has done before," said Valverde, talking to reporters.
Angel Di Maria has defended Lionel Messi and claimed his fellow Argentine is often made the scapegoat for Barcelona’s failings.
Messi has been widely criticised for his performances in recent weeks with Barca’s hopes of silverware taking a major hit.
‘10’ replies is appropriate for a Messi thread.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1E1sgmuPJs
Messi is wanting a contract that would make the latest MLB guaranteed contracts seem like a minor event. I don’t think he’ll get it, because even with FC Barcelona’s very strong financial situation the team does not want to set a bad precedent with a contract that will affect the team negatively for a decade or more.
Maybe his supporting cast isn’t what it’s been in the past.
I think I’ve heard Messi say on several occasions that he wants to play in the Premier League.
Now we hear Manchester City may be going after him.
That’s what I’ve been hearing too, he wants to play in the English Premier League and that Man City are trying to negotiate a deal.
I think Suarez will overshadow him in the World Cup with more goals, he has been the leading goal scorer in the EPL with Liverpool this season and as a Spurs & England fan it’s tough to praise him but his play has been brilliant.
Constipation?
Huge result in the Premier League: Chelsea 1 Sunderland 2
It’s Liverpool’s to lose, now.
Heh heh, you think?
But Everton better play better than they did on Wednesday, that was an ugly loss.
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