Martino defends Messi

Barcelona manager Tata Martino has jumped to the defence of his star striker Lionel Messi after claiming recent criticism of the Argentinian has affected his confidence.

By his standards, it’s fair to say Lionel Messi has not produced his best work on the pitch as of late. He’s yet to score a goal from open play in 2014 in La Liga and with a recurring hamstring injury seemingly hampering the number 10’s progress, many Barca fans are starting to doubt whether he can return to his very best.

Not only this, the towering performances of Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo led to Messi missing out on last year’s Balon D’or award and despite being held in the same esteem by many football fans, based on recent form, many will start to hold Portuguese international Ronaldo in higher regard.

Blaugrana boss Martino slammed the small section of Barca fans doubting Messi’s abillity stating they should be ‘ashamed’.

“Those that are negative, do not realise they are affecting his pride. When you do that to the best player in the world, this is what happens.”

Following Leo Messi’s highly documented goal drought, many punters have stopped backing the number 10 to score when making a live football bet due to an obvious lack of value. With Manchester City coming up in the Champions League however, maybe it is the team to see Leo return back to his best against City’s somewhat leaky defence.