benfica

Messi: “I feel fine”

December 6, 2012 06:33 PM | CNA

The day after a serious shock in the Benfica match, Leo Messi has described how he felt in the 84th minute, when he had to be stretchered off the pitch. “When I first felt the pain, I imagined the worst – that I’d be out for months. After tests and learning that it is not a long-term injury, I’m feeling a lot better”. Describing the action, in which he stumbled against the keeper but still carried on trying to score, he said “I thought it might be the last ball I’d touch for a long time and I wanted to go for it”.

Frozen (0-0)

December 6, 2012 01:13 PM | CNA

Barça closed the group stage of the Champions League with a goalless draw against Benfica. This should have been a night of celebration for Leo Messi as he closed in on Gerd Muller’s scoring record, but it ended badly with the injury to the World Number One. Messi had started on the bench and Tito Villanova didn’t bring him on until after the break. Shortly afterwards, the Argentinean had to come off with a knee injury. Before Messi’s appearance, Pinto had been the centre of attention with a series of saves that helped ensure the Portuguese team bowed out of the Champions League.

Adriano: “Every game is important”

December 4, 2012 07:11 PM | CNA

The Brazilian has explained that Barça have plenty of reasons to take the Benfica match seriously, even though they have already won the group The man who has played in every position in defence is having a terrific season so far. Asked about his versatility, he said “right now I don’t where I like playing the most. The most important thing is to play. I like being on the pitch and helping the team and the boss. It is an honour that he trusts me so much and I am just trying to improve”.