Lionel Messi: Luis Enrique reveals what he really thinks of Barcelona star - 7M sport

Lionel Messi: Luis Enrique reveals what he really thinks of Barcelona star

LIONEL MESSI has been branded a ‘genius’ and the ‘matrix’ by former boss Luis Enrique.


Posted Sunday, March 10, 2019 by Express.co.uk

Lionel Messi: Luis Enrique reveals what he really thinks of Barcelona star
Lionel Messi has been hailed as a genius by his former Barcelona manager (Image: GETTY)

Lionel Messi has been in sparkling form again this season as Barcelona close in on another La Liga title.

The Argentina star, 31, who is in talks over a new deal with the club, has scored 25 La Liga goals, another six in the Champions League and two in the Copa del Rey this term.

Barca remain on course for a potential treble with the Copa del Rey final against Valencia and remain in the Champions League and way out in front in the league.

Barca, ahead of tonight’s game with Rayo Vallecano, are seven points clear of Atletico Madrid and 12 ahead of Real Madrid.

And speaking to Radio Cataluyna Spain boss Enrique claimed he was an incredibly special player.

He said: "We're talking about a genius, we're talking about the Matrix when the image suddenly slows down and he can do whatever he wants: that's what Messi does.

"It's something only he can do. Andres Iniesta has that similar peripheral vision. I've only seen those two do it, above all Messi."

Messi and Enrique had a frosty working relationship at the end of their spell together at Barcelona.

Lionel Messi: Luis Enrique reveals what he really thinks of Barcelona star
Lionel Messi has scored a stunning 26 goals in La Liga this season (Image: GETTY)

But Enrique insists now when he looks back he only sees positive things.

"Until everything was sorted out there was a time of tension," Enrique added.

"I was not looking for it but it appeared and I had to manage the situation. But now I can only see great things about Messi."

Barcelona are planning talks with Messi’s father over a new deal.

Last Wednesday, Josep Maria Bartomeu made it clear the club is still integral to their success.

"Leo has a contract until 2021 and we will also do another renovation,” he said.

"He is strong and mentally better than ever. He has the ambition to win titles.”

In November 2017 Messi signed an extension at Barcelona which contained a release clause of £600million.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga leaders have now entered negotiations with the Argentine having held talks about their future plans.

Their strong ambition is to get Messi to sign an extension until 2022 at least but ideally they would like him to commit until 2023.



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