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| Lionel Messi, who was defeated in the 16th round against PSG, is showing a desperate expression. © AFP=News1 |
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman was confident that Lionel Messi (34) remained in the European Football Federation (UEFA) Champions League (UCL) round of 16.
Barcelona drew 1-1 in the second leg of the UCL Round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) held at Parc des Princes in Paris, France on the 11th (Korean time).
Barsa, who lost in the first leg 1-4 at home, failed to advance to the quarterfinals as the total score was pushed to 2-5.
Barsa scored the first goal to Killian Mbafe in the first half of the day and tied the score with Messi’s picturesque mid-range shooting. However, Messi failed to take the penalty kick he gained in the extra time in the first half, and he had to accept the unfortunate defeat.
According to ESPN and others, coach Koeman expressed his hopes even in the elimination of the round of 16 at a press conference after the game.
“We were eliminated, but we showed good performance,” he said. “If we finished the first half, which overwhelmed our opponents, with 2-1, the result of the second half would have changed.”
Kuman also gave a positive evaluation instead of criticism toward Messi, who missed the penalty kick on the day.
“Mesh has seen the team get better,” he stressed. “We have very good young players. Messi will not have any doubts about the future of Barsa.”
“Only Messi can determine his future, and no one can help him,” said Kuman.
ESPN said about Kuman’s remarks, “I hope that Messi, which is receiving attention from Manchester City (England) and PSG, will remain.”
Messi was shocked by a 2-8 defeat in the UCL Quarter against Bayern Munich (Germany) last season and amazed many fans when he declared that he would leave Barsa. As a result, Messi remained, but there are still expectations that he will leave for Man City after his contract with Barça expires this summer.
In Barcelona, Juan Laporta, recently known for his “pro-Messi” propensity, has been elected as the new president and is working hard on Messi’s stay. Immediately after being elected, LaPorta repeatedly emphasized that he would remain on the team, saying, “Messi is a family of Barcelona.”