Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi had come under fierce criticism for failing to score for three games and thus seeing his team all but squander their opportunity of concluding 2013/14 with silverware.
During his semi-slump, Barcelona were dumped out of the Copa del Rey final by a confident, counter-attacking Real Madrid side while Atletico Madrid opened up a seven-point gap at the top of the La Liga Standings with just 5 games remaining to end the season. Leo however netted a sublime free kick to enable Barca defeat Athletic Bilbao 2-1, and his friend and teammate Xavi immediately leapt to the Argentinean’s defence.
“Today Messi decided the game again,” said the midfield maestro.
“A lot of the time people demand too much of him. We need to leave him in peace and let him work.”
The Spaniard was at the same time adamant that his team would fight until the end to try and defend their La Liga title against the Madrid teams.
“We knew how important today’s game was, even though we don’t have matters in our own hands. It is important to win and wait and see what happens."
“In general I think we played well both in attack and defence. To go out of the Champions League and lose the final of the Copa del Rey were two huge blows for the team, but we need to overcome them."
“Now we have to continue at the top of our game because this team still needs to fight.”
Xavi also hailed Barcelona's character to bounce back from the Copa del Rey disappointment and record a come-back win vs Bilbao.
“We could have finished the game off long before because we had played well."
“It is important to win the three points and still be in with a chance in the league. In the end the team showed great courage. We found it difficult, but we showed great character."
