Messi makes football better, says beaten Real Betis goalkeeper

Antonio Adan might be a former Real Madrid man but that did not stop the Real Betis goalkeeper from marvelling at Lionel Messi's genius.

Published : Jan 22, 2018 15:21 IST

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was involved in four goals against Real Betis.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was involved in four goals against Real Betis.
lightbox-info

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was involved in four goals against Real Betis.

Lionel Messi makes football better, according to Real Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adan, even after the Barcelona superstar piled misery upon him on Sunday.

Messi inspired a devastating second-half performance from Barcelona, scoring twice and creating another for Luis Suarez as Ernesto Valverde's LaLiga leaders stormed to a 5-0 win at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

The result extended Barca's advantage at the summit over Atletico Madrid to 11 points and Real Madrid youth graduate Adan was left in awe, having mistakenly felt his team-mates might have had Messi under control.

"It's spectacular. In the first half he had not appeared. He seemed to be walking," the 30-year-old told Cadena Ser.

"But he takes four balls to score two goals and give two assists. He makes this sport better."

Betis vice president Lorenzo Serra Ferrer also felt it had been a privilege to witness Messi at his brilliant best.

"Messi deserves that because it is a show, what he has done in the second half," he said. 

"Not only in attack but claiming balls in their own half of the field. 

"His humility and ability make him bigger and the public of the Villamarin has been able to appreciate the extraordinary player that is Leo Messi."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment