Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde claims Lionel Messi ignores the ball at the start of matches for incredible reason

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde claims Lionel Messi ignores the ball at the start of matches for incredible reason
Ernesto Valverde has revealed just what makes Lionel Messi the best player in the world.Although he inexplicably finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, the Barcelona captain is enjoying a spectacular season at the Camp Nou.2

Lionel Messi does not focus on the ball at all at the start of the game

In 33 games this season, the 31-year-old has 33 goals as well as 15 assists.Ahead of the El Clasico clash at the Bernabeu on Saturday evening, coach Valverde has revealed the Argentina international completely ignores the ball at the start of the game and instead targets the opposition.“Messi reserves the first minutes of each match for interpretation,” Valverde told the Financial Times.“During that time, he ignores the ball and takes a walk around the opposition defence, fixing each mans position in his head.2

Valvrede sounded in awe of the Argentine

Then, as the game advances, he gets in little by little. But by now he knows perfectly where the rivals weaknesses are.”In the same fixture last season, walked for 83% of the Clasico and ran only 4.95%.However, he managed to create nine chances, score a goal and provide an assist.

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