Laois Nationalist — Lionel Messi the most important player in Barcelona’s history – Ronald Koeman

By PA Sport Employees

Barcelona supervisor Ronald Koeman hailed Lionel Messi as a very powerful participant within the membership’s illustrious historical past after he struck twice on his record-equalling 767th membership look.

The 33-year-old scored his facet’s first and fourth targets as Barca climbed into second place within the desk following a complete 4-1 LaLiga victory over Huesca.

Messi matched Xavi’s all-time look report within the Barcelona shirt, a profession which incorporates profitable 34 trophies and now scoring 661 targets since he made his debut in 2004, with 27 to date this season.

“I can not say extra about Leo,” Koeman informed a press convention reported by marca.com

“The extent he has for a few years, many video games…he has equalled Xavi and on Sunday in precept he’ll surpass him.

“He’s a very powerful man within the historical past of Barca. Fortunately he’s nonetheless with us.”

Messi put Barcelona forward within the thirteenth minute earlier than Antoine Griezmann doubled the hosts’ tally 11 minutes from half-time.

Within the closing moments of the primary half, Huesca have been awarded a penalty on VAR evaluate for a foul on Rafa Mir, who additionally dispatched the spot-kick to halve Barcelona’s benefit.

Messi then turned supplier for Barcelona’s third which Oscar Mingueza headed residence for his maiden membership aim and the Argentinian accomplished the scoring on the dying.

Reflecting on the match itself the Barca boss mentioned: “I’ve all the time mentioned there was lots of LaLiga (matches this yr).

“It’s tough for any group to win matches all year long. The factors we misplaced for a couple of weeks (have been many). Now we have reacted effectively.

“The group is assured. We can not lose extra factors as a result of we’ve already misplaced fairly a couple of.”

The outcome leaves Huesca on the backside of the desk and 4 factors from security, however supervisor Pacheta mentioned his facet put in a worthy efficiency.

“We’re conceding lots of targets,” he mentioned. “Immediately there are three targets, two for the squad, one other that touches a defence.

“We must shake arms. Now we have performed a really worthy recreation although the result’s disappointing. I’m happy with the group.

“Now we have performed many issues which are good. Now we have had aim conditions. Now we have been concerned within the recreation.

“Now our battle begins. I don’t like to speak about finals however now we’ve to get 4 factors greater than three groups.”