In a stunning revelation, superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly personally contacted manager Luis Enrique to share crucial tactical advice ahead of Barcelona’s crucial Champions League second leg against Arsenal. The call not only demonstrates Messi’s continued influence over his former club, but also reveals his surprising praise for a player in the current squad, whom he believes has “skills superior to those of Neymar.”
According to an exclusive source, Messi recommended that Enrique adopt a more fluid style of play, focusing on exploiting space on the wings and using the pace of wide players to disrupt Arsenal’s solid defense. He emphasized the importance of controlling the tempo of the game, especially in the opening minutes, to avoid finding themselves in difficulty against the intense pressing often deployed by Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. These suggestions reflect Messi’s keen understanding of tactics and his ability to anticipate the challenges posed by a formidable opponent like Arsenal, a team that has often caused Barcelona problems in the past.
The highlight of this conversation is Messi’s glowing praise for a young player in the Barcelona squad. While his identity has not been revealed, Messi claimed that this player has technical skills “superior to Neymar’s”—a statement that has caused a stir among pundits and fans alike. Given that Neymar was once an icon of creativity and technical mastery, this tribute places immense expectations on the young star mentioned by Messi. Speculation is rife that it could be emerging talents like Lamine Yamal or Gavi, but Messi’s entourage remains mum on the subject.
Messi’s call is more than just a gesture of support; it illustrates the Argentinian legend’s unbreakable bond with FC Barcelona, despite his departure from the club in 2021. For Enrique, under pressure to lead Barça far in European competition, Messi’s advice undoubtedly represents a major source of inspiration and motivation. The return leg against Arsenal promises to be a thrilling battle, with Barcelona not only fighting for victory, but also to reaffirm their place among the elite of world football.
