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VIGO, Spain (Reuters) – Barcelona defender Sergi Roberto praised captain Lionel Messi for a sensational performance in his team’s 3-0 victory over Celta de Vigo in La Liga on Thursday, as the Argentine further demonstrated who has put his problems with the club. behind him.
After Ansu Fati opened the scoring, Messi helped double Barça’s lead early in the second half with an unstoppable run down the right side of the box and a shot that rebounded off Celta’s Lucas Olaza and entered the net for a goal. at own door.
Messi then had a shot narrowly canceled for offside and then created Barça’s third goal in overtime, dancing through the Celta defense and firing a shot on goal that goalkeeper Ivan Villar parried, leaving Sergi Roberto to score on the rebound.
“Leo is so excited right now,” said Sergi Roberto.
“He ran a lot today and played out of his skin for the team.”
Messi has tried to draw a line between his efforts to leave the club for the summer, as well as his vociferous criticism of president Josep Maria Bartomeu, saying in a recent interview that the time had come for everyone at the club to join.
He backed up his words with a tireless display against Celta, leading the team’s attacks and also crashing into the ground to help them cope with Clement Lenglet’s expulsion in the first half.
“We are very happy that Leo is still with us and the fact that he is so motivated is a great boost for us,” added Sergi Roberto.
Coach Ronald Koeman also noted Messi’s willingness to sacrifice himself, adding: “Messi worked very hard without the ball tonight, which was very important to us tonight.”
(Reporting by Richard Martin)
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