Messi still isn’t human despite another penalty miss

Luis Enrique had nothing but praise for Lionel Messi after he led Barcelona to a 4-1 win over Levante, despite missing a penalty. The Argentina wizard set up his side’s opening goal for Marc Bartra, before making it 3-0 from the spot after Neymar’s strike. However, he then missed a second spot-kick as he blasted his attempt over the bar, only to make up for it with another goal in the dying minutes of the game.


 “The fact that he missed a penalty does not make Messi any more human,” Luis Enrique said. “Messi still scored twice and set up another goal. He does not really seem human to me.” Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was at fault for Levante’s goal after previously conceding from 50 yards in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma on Wednesday, but Enrique is still backing the Germany international.

 “Another goalkeeper might start having doubts about himself after such a moment,” Enrique said. “Not Ter Stegen, though. Confidence is flowing through his body at all times.” 

Luis Enrique decided to rest Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta as Munir and Sandro got the chance to prove their worth and he is confident both youngsters have a bright future ahead of them.

“I am pleased with the performance of Munir and Sandro,” he said. “They are important players for the future. They are still young and will get plenty of playing time. We need them and they will help the team forward.”