Barcelona news: Lionel Messi says team organisation more important than individual talent

Barcelona bigger than Lionel Messi

Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi believes team organisation always comes ahead of individual talent and that a well-organised team can beat a team that possesses world class talents. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has helped Barcelona win eight La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies during his spell at the Camp Nou.

Given the Argentine’s spectacular individual talent, he sometimes overshadows the club itself. Many have accused that the Catalans are over-reliant on the Argentine superstar and if it hadn’t been for Messi and his individual brilliance, Barcelona would have never been the successful club they are today.

Although Barcelona won their last two domestic titles in a row, the club is now sitting six points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid following two consecutive draws in La Liga.

In an interview with  Sky Sports expert Guillem Balague Messi insisted that organisation comes first then comes everything else.

"I think it is organisation. Nowadays more than ever, having a team which is organised, compact and knows how to react to every circumstance is the most important thing," he said.

"Achievements are made when you have a good team which works hard, and I think everything starts with the organisation."

When the Argentine was asked about the whole  'Messidependencia' (Thought of Barcelona solely depending on Lionel Messi’s talent) was worrying or flattering, Messi said: "Not one thing or the other because I know it isn't the case.

"I've been asked several times before and every time I answer the same. I play for Barcelona, the best team in the world, and it doesn't rely on any one player.”

Barcelona not dependent on any single individual

Messi insists that Barcelona has a capable squad and that the team is never dependent on one particular individual to see them through.

"We have a great squad with some very talented players, so we don't rely on an individual so like I said, I don't even think about it."

With all his big achievements at a club level with FC Barcelona, Messi is yet to taste glory with his national side. Argentina has fallen short on several occasions over the years coming so close lifting trophies but only ending up as runners up competitions like the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup. 

Messi also stated that he has learned to cope with defeat and has managed not to let affect his personal life.

"As you grow up and the years pass you experience many complicated moments in the sport, and you come to realise that it's not all about winning or losing," he said.

"There are far more important things in life than winning or playing a football match or winning a trophy.

"Obviously I love winning and I always try to achieve all the targets we set ourselves at the start of the year, but if you don't meet those targets, I think the important thing is that you tried.

"You shouldn't let a result affect the way you enjoy life."

Lionel Messi will be hoping that Barcelona’s collective team effort will help them achieve a win in the game against Real Madrid on Saturday. Barcelona have received the good news of Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique's availability for the El Clasico.