La Liga
“Messi can just appear and score from anywhere”
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has exalted his team’s superstar Lionel Messi, saying he is capable of showing up at any moment and scoring when the team needs him most.
Messi scored a marvelous goal, though surrounded by six players, in Barcelona’s 4-1 victory over Alaves on Saturday at Camp Nou, helping the Catalans win three points and close 2019 as La Liga leaders.
Valverde praised Messi after the match, recognizing that having the Argentine in the squad is a big priority.
“Having Messi is a big advantage. Leo shows up at any moment and scores a goal from everywhere,” Valverde said.
Messi recorded his 250th goal at the Camp Nou in La Liga matches and the 50th in 2019 for Barca and Argentina.
That means the 32-year-old has scored 50 or more goals in nine of the last 10 years.