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Messi and Griezmann already understand each other

2020-02-29T01:06:08.876Z


After overcoming the initial differences, the Argentine has ended up hugging the Frenchman, who already has 14 goals as Barca, 10 of them to inaugurate the scoreboard


Lionel Messi was in the middle of the World Cup in Brazil when he learned that Luis Suarez would be his new partner in Barcelona. Was surprised. He had never concealed that he preferred that Barça sign his friend Kun Agüero, with whom he then led the Argentine team to the final in Maracaná. After his resounding goodbye to Brazil - FIFA sanctioned him for biting Chiellini -, Suarez began the 2014-2015 season without being able to play on Luis Enrique's team. Empty football and with the antipathy of Messi: bad way to start a trip dressed in Barca. The experience of Suárez had already been lived by Neymar - “stop saying that I am your idol and dedicate yourself to playing football,” he released the 10 to the paulista—, and this summer something similar happened to Griezmann.

The directive of Barcelona was clear that Messi wanted the return of Neymar to Camp Nou. They threatened to sign it, when they knew that the operation was economically impossible. "I would have liked to return, I do not know if Barça did everything possible," complained 10 to Sport, after the frustrated return of the PSG striker. Instead, Barcelona got into debt to sign Griezmann. "We do not know what he will play," complained the heavyweights of the group. Although wrapped by the French group, Griezmann had a hard time gaining the confidence of his fellow attackers. "I don't know what happens!", He confessed on 17 to his surroundings. Competitive by nature, accustomed to haggling adversities, Griezmann was not willing to give up. “They won't be able to with me, I'm not going to lower my arms. They are jealous of me for winning the World Cup! Better to smile, ”the Frenchman told a relative, according to France Football magazine .

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And he didn't lower his arms. After his first months in Barcelona, ​​in which he could not find his place in the field or in the dressing room, Griezmann relaxed. Like Neymar first and Luis Suarez later, the French also won the sympathy of 10. "Leo is shy, a little suspicious, but when he takes confidence he is a good guy and is generous," describes an employee from Barcelona to Rosario. Beyond the character that imitates the celebrations of LeBron James, he spends a lot of time in front of the mirror and arrives at the sports city behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce, Griezmann is an exceptional footballer and Messi knows it. “I only want to win. And for that he knows he needs good players around him. Antoine is one of the best players in the world, ”they say from the technical secretariat.

“They get along very well”

Messi went from ignoring Griezmann to laughing thanks in the locker room and taking care of him in the field. "Now they get along very well and there is no problem," they say from the Barcelona group. In LaLiga, Messi has searched Griezmann 63 times for 71 French. And they have assisted each other twice. Before Eibar the Rosario tried to give him a goal. The 17 failed. It was to mark the third before the Mendilibar box. The problem is that, judging by its statistics, French likes to open the games more. Of the 14 goals that Griezmann has scored in the season, 10 have served to inaugurate the score. Nine signed them with Ernesto Valverde, five with Quique Setién.

The arrival of the Cantabrian coach, coupled with the injury of Luis Suárez, was a situation that has helped Griezmann to strengthen his partnership with Messi and his success in the face of goal. With Setién he has created 10 occasions in 10 games, for the 19 in 25 he had generated with Valverde. Messi, however, does not care who is sitting on the bench: 0.80 average goal with the Txingurri; 0.77 with Setien. “Everything has been given in favor of Antoine. He is very well, he has improved his football and his place in the locker room, but he still has to find his role in the team. We are calm, it has always been adapted in all the places where it has been ”, they explain from the offices of the Sports City of Barcelona.

Griezmann needs a great game to start finishing his place in Barcelona. No place better than Chamartín. The Frenchman has faced Real Madrid on 29 occasions, has scored eight goals (four at the home of Madrid) and has distributed four assists. A Messi there is no stadium that motivates him more than the Santiago Bernabéu. Of the 26 goals (he is the top scorer) that adds up to the classic, 15 have shouted them at Chamartín.

The 10 no longer has Neymar, but while waiting for Luis Suarez, he meets Griezmann. A society as late as it is safe for Barcelona.

Suárez: clause to renew automatically

Luis Suarez continues with the recovery of his right knee, intervened in January and low until the beginning of May, when the league competition has only one month left. With a contract until June 2021 - like Rakitic, Vidal and Messi -, the striker revealed, however, an unknown clause to date in an interview he granted to Rac1 : “Next year, if I play 60% of the matches where I am available, I renew automatically. ”

A measure that is not uncommon in Barça - always premiums and renewal are 60% of the minutes - but that had not transcended. Suarez, who will be 34 in 2021, has always been the owner by definition. In this course, for example, he participated in 23 games with a balance of 14 goals. “I am happy here and my family, too. I am where I have always wanted to be and I feel useful. The decision has to come from the club, they know my predisposition. I want to continue, but it doesn't depend on me, ”he reflected.

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Source: elparis

All sports articles on 2020-02-29

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