Messi opens up on leaving Barcelona after loss to Liverpool

Lionel Messi has opened up about leaving Barcelona after they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg at Anfield.

The first leg at Nou Camp saw Barcelona getting g a 3-0 edge over the English side. However, things took a different turn as they lost 4-0 to A Liverpool side without Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firminho.

Speaking about leaving Barcelona, Messi said:

“I have had problems with the national team and I still want to keep trying to win something there.

“The Champions League exit does not make me lose my desire to be here.”

Since being promoted to the first team in 2004, Messi has had more than 450 appearances for Barcelona with 419 goals during that period, including 36 league goals last season – 15 more than anyone else.

“We were hit hard by it,” said Messi. “We have to apologise for the second half of the match at Liverpool.

“Not because of the result, but because of how it looked and that we didn’t compete. It was one of the worst experiences in my career.

“Winning the Copa del Rey will be the best way to end the season.”