An abundance of talent in the team has allowed the Blaugrana to start becoming less dependent on their aging talisman lately.
FC Barcelona are better off without Lionel Messi as they have been able to “draw on other strengths” in his absence, notes Argentine icon Hugo Gatti.
Messi was serving the first of his two-match ban for violent conduct in the Supercopa de Espana final and missed Barcelona’s latest La Liga fixture on Sunday.
The Catalan giants were able to cope up without him as they grabbed a comfortable 2-0 win over lowly Elche.
In a similar fashion, other members of Ronald Koeman’s team have been able to carry the load on a few other occasions in the absence of their talismanic captain.
A mixture of homegrown talents, previous big-money signings, and experienced players have ensured that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is not missed too much when away from the pitch.
“Every time Messi doesn’t play, Barcelona win because they can draw on other strengths,” Gatti told El Chiringuito.
“Football is about winning and if you play well, even better. Every time Messi doesn’t play, Barcelona win.”
Messi, however, is available for selection for Barcelona’s midweek Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash with Rayo Vallecano.
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