Bauza: We're seeing which area of the pitch Messi feels most comfortable

Posted Friday, February 10, 2017 by Marca.com

Lionel Messi's recent performances have excited Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza, who has been studying the No. 10 to determine what positions his captain plays his best football in.

Bauza attended Tuesday evening's Copa del Rey match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou as part of a tour of Europe and was impressed with what he saw.

"At Barcelona he is starting on the right-hand side and then he ends up in the centre, as he did for the goal [which Luis Suarez scored from his rebounded shot]," the coach said after attending Atletico's Thursday training session.

"As coaches, we are trying to see which area of the pitch he feels most comfortable in."

I felt that Messi could define the [semi-final] with one piece of play and he had a good match.

"It wasn't just Tuesday's display that pleased Bauza, who has been happy with the way the Albiceleste's star man has been playing throughout this season. "

He looks good and, along with his team, he has reached another final," the 59-year-old said.

"I think his level of football has been really good in the past few months."

I hope he can keep it up.

"With two crucial World Cup qualifiers coming up against Chile and Bolivia in March, Bauza is counting on benefitting from an in-form Messi.