Lionel Messi Returns to Inspire Barca to Victory
No Lionel Messi, No Barcelona seems to be coming as Barcelona only do well when the Argentine is in the pitch with them. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner helps Barcelona get back to winning ways as he set up the winning goal in a narrow victory over bottom side Huesca.
Lionel Messi recorded his 750th match for Barcelona and 500th in La Liga. He celebrated that with a good assist to help Barca won the the day, he lifted the ball to Frenkie de Jong, who coolly diverted it past the keeper.
The goal capped off a dominant first-half display in which Messi’s free-kick was also tipped over the crossbar. Huesca’s Rafa Mir was denied from close range in the second half.
Barcelona dropped points in their last game against Eider, they played out a 1-1 draw without Messi on the pitch. Ousmane Dembele and Pedri all returned to the starting eleven after suffering an injury.
The two players had their efforts saved by home goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez, who was in fine form. The result means Barcelona move up to fifth place in the Spanish La Liga table with 10 points behind league leader Atletico who won their own game.
Huesca remain four points from safety, having played a game more than those around them in the relegation zone.