Coach Domenech: 'Messi shows signs of a fading star'

The former France national team coach believes Messi was Barcelona's worst player in their 6-1 victory over PSG.

“It was a bad game for Messi. He stood in the middle of the pitch and seemed unwilling to run,” commented coach Raymond Domenech in Goal (Italy). “Messi thinks he’s still the playmaker for Barca, capable of doing everything. But the truth is he’s declining. I’ve seen the signs of a fading star.”

According to the former French national team coach, Messi now plays a more calculated game. His dribbling has lost much of its magic and power.

Messi and Barcelona have yet to reach an agreement on a contract extension. Photo: Internet.

"It's difficult for Messi to accept losing some of his talent. For example, he still insists on taking free kicks even though Neymar takes them better. Messi still thinks of himself as the center, the guardian angel of Barca," coach Domenech analyzed.

This season, Messi still has a very high scoring rate with 39 goals in 38 appearances. However, coach Domenech believes that the Argentine star's role at Barca is now not as important as that of Neymar and Suarez.

“Neymar is spectacular; he always fights and is full of belief. He attacks until the very last seconds. Suarez is like a fighter. These are the two most important players in Barca's attacking style,” added coach Domenech.

Barca lost 0-4 to PSG in the first leg. However, they staged a spectacular comeback, winning 6-1 in the second leg at Camp Nou to secure their place in the quarter-finals. In that match, Messi scored a penalty, Suarez opened the scoring in the third minute, and Neymar scored a brace.

According to VOV