Messi sparks controversy for failing to track back against Dynamo Kyiv
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Nov 7, 2020
Barcelona host Real Betis on Saturday in their final LaLiga outing before the global break, while Dynamo Kiev take on Shakhtar Donetsk in a top-of-the-table clash in the Ukrainian Premier League the following day.
Lionel Messi scored for FC Barcelona in their 2-1 win in the Champions League vs. Dynamo Kiyv. Messi scored on a penalty corner in the fifth minute.
With Dynamo Kiev pressing for a late equaliser, Messi could be seen WALKING as Oleksandr Andrievsky strolled past him and downfield with the ball.
The Argentinian superstar begrudgingly agreed to stay at Barcelona this season after requesting a release. Lionel Messi Will Not Be Excluded From Pay Cuts Despite Rumours of Barcelona Exit: Reports.
Their 100 per cent record so far in the Champions League, which included an impressive performance away at Juventus last week, has come in stark contrast to a stumbling start to the season in La Liga. With this Barcelona has been unbeaten in the 23 group games for UEFA Champions League.
"I can handle the criticism but we cannot become obsessed by it".
Barcelona can not afford to be bogged down by criticism over its stuttering start to the season, coach Ronald Koeman has said, as his side plots a first victory in five La Liga games when it hosts Real Betis on Saturday.
"We have to play well, and we have to improve the play without the ball", Koeman said in post-match comments.
"We are happy because we won", said Koeman.
"In no other match have we suffered as much danger from the opponent as we have today".
Ronald Koeman has tried to stamp his authority on the side since arriving, with the belief that no player is bigger than the club, yet managing to motivating Messi to help out with some of the defensive work could prove a mission.
