"We need to be self-critical" - When Lionel Messi questioned everyone at Barcelona after loss to Real Madrid
Back in 2020, Lionel Messi questioned everyone at Barcelona after they lost the La Liga title to Real Madrid. The Blaugrana needed to win their last game of the season, while hoping that Los Blancos would lose to Villarreal, if they were to bring the title to Camp Nou.
However, Madrid beat Villarreal 2-1, while Barca endured a shock loss at the hands of Osasuna in front of their fans. An early goal (15') from the visitors put the Catalan giants on the back burner for many long minutes. Despite Lionel Messi scoring a stunning free-kick just after the hour-mark (62'), Osasuna found the winning goal through Roberto Torres in stoppage time (90+4').
After losing the title to Real Madrid, Lionel Messi gave an interview to Spanish TV, slamming his club (via Eurosport):
"We are a weak team who can be beaten with enough intensity and enthusiasm. We need to be self-critical, starting with the players, but also across the entire club. We are Barcelona, and we are obliged to win every game."
After the 2018-19 season, Lionel Messi never won the league with Barca again. Atletico Madrid went on to win the 2020-21 season, and the legendary Argentine left Spain that summer for Paris Saint-Germain.
When Barcelona legend Lionel Messi heaped praise on Lamine Yamal
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi heaped praise on talented La Masia graduate Lamine Yamal earlier this month. The 17-year-old is one of the most exciting players in the world at the moment, having broken into Barca's first team aged 16.
Yamal's performances got him called up to the Spain national team, where he won Euro 2024. He has started this season in remarkable form, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in 21 games across all competitions.
While speaking at an Adidas event in Germany, Messi mentioned Lamine Yamal as "the present", while heaping praise on the 17-year-old winger. He said (via Forbes):
"There's a very good generation of young footballers who have many years ahead of them. If I have to choose someone, because of the age and because of the future that he has, I've heard that they have chosen Lamine Yamal and without doubt [it's him] for me too.
"I agree it depends on him and many things because that's how soccer is, but he's the present and without a doubt has a huge future."
Lionel Messi won the 2024 Copa America with Argentina, while Lamine Yamal won Euro 2024 with Spain. This could see the two Barcelona academy graduates face each other for the first time in the 2025 Finalissima.