Speaking to ESPN, Lionel Messi has admitted that it would delight Barcelona if Real Madrid were to lose the Champions League final.
“Yes,” Messi began, when asked whether it would be easier to see Atletico Madrid win the title than Real. “Obviously, for the people of Barcelona, they obviously want to see Real Madrid come out empty-handed.
“Just like they want the same for us.”
Looking ahead and imagining the prospect of Real losing out in the final in Milan on May 28, Messi couldn’t help a gentle smile, and certainly, there can’t many at Barca who would delight in the thought of Los Merengues falling short than the little maestro, who has been at the club since he was a youngster.
Indeed, the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is yet to end this season, with the two sides both still in the running for the Spanish title.
Until last weekend, La Liga was still a three-horse race, but Atletico Madrid’s shock defeat at Levante has taken Diego Simeone’s UCL finalists out of the equation.
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Messi, appearing relaxed as he spoke to ESPN, looks to be confident that his side can pick up the victory they need at Granada on the final day in order to see off the claims of Real.
The Argentine superstar has won seven Spanish titles and four Champions League crowns during a remarkable career.
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