Messi burnout fears as Neymar nets his first for Barcelona
NEYMAR was thrilled at scoring his first goal for Barcelona this week after the Brazilian ace came off the bench to grab a second-half equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup
The Brazilian was once again consigned to a starting place among the substitutes, but found the net almost immediately after entering the fray on the hour.
The 21-year-old headed home a Dani Alves cross to cancel out David Villa’s opener at the Vicente Calderon and spoke of his delight at opening his account for the Blaugrana.
“I’m thrilled to have scored my first goal,” he told AS. “I’m happy because I came on and was able to help the team in a difficult situation.
“Atletico are a strong side, and they showed that again in this match. It’s a good result and now we have to do the job at home.”
But his goal was soured by fears that world footballer of the year and Argentine sensation Lionel Messi is suffering from burnout.
The Argentine was withdrawn at the interval with a thigh problem and has set the alarm bells ringing at the Catalan club with his fitness problems so early into the season.
Messi has played 50 or more games for Barcelona over the last five seasons, as well as travelling to turn out for Argentina in far-flung lands several times a year. In his younger years, he coped comfortably and even emerged practically from the beach to blast Barca to Supercopa success over Real Madrid in spectacular style in 2011-12.
But the sheer amount of games appears to be taking its toll and instead of approaching his peak at 26, the Argentine already appears to be on the way down physically.
With barely a break since making his Barca bow as a teenager, the four-time Ballon d’Or winner is increasingly suffering from hamstring and thigh problems and was physically sick during the Catalans’ 7-0 win at Levante last Sunday.
Then, he was withdrawn after 70 minutes by new boss Gerardo Martino. It was the first time Messi had been substituted by Barca without an injury in over three years. Leo wants to play every week, rain or shine, happy or sad, tip-top or tired.
But Martino knows Messi’s management will be crucial to his side’s success this term. —