Lionel Messi won the La Liga title for Barcelona yesterday and Ernesto Valverde has said the forward is the real reason Barca cannot stop dominating in Spain.
Messi’s second-half goal vs Levante sealed the 26th title for Barca in the club’s history, and it is Lionel Messi’s 10th.
Valverde said, “Obviously Messi is at the core of all of this,”
“It’s been an era marked by success in La Liga for the club. Coaches and players have come, gone and contributed but if there has to be one name above the rest, it’s Leo’s.
“We’re not going to deny that. Everyone knows it. He marks everything we do. He marks our style of play. His competitive nature drives us all on.”
“I was sure that he had to play some part because we have a big game on Wednesday and he has to remain active and score goals, which is what he does, and this one gave us the title.”
It’s the second season running that Barca have wrapped up the title with games to spare but they still hope to win more silverware this season. They remain in the hunt for the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
“Winning the title by this distance and with games to spare against the rivals we have is difficult, especially two years running,”
“We’re so happy, seeing the fans enjoying themselves makes us all really proud. The difficult thing isn’t winning, but to keep on winning. If you can manage that, it’s because you’re hungry to win.
“You have to keep on motivating yourself. Eight out of 11 [titles] shows how seriously the club takes this competition. Now we have other challenges ahead.”
Suarez also said, “He is the best player in the world and the best of all time. You have to enjoy every minute you play with him. We’re all proud of what him and what he does in every game.”
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