Andrea Pirlo suggests Lionel Messi’s poor form for Barcelona maybe down to a ‘problem mentally’ as Juventus boss says Argentine is at a ‘unique stage in his life’ following difficult summer at Barcelona
- Lionel Messi and Barcelona have suffered a disastrous start to 2020-21 season
- The Catalan giants were beaten by minnows Cadiz in LaLiga at the weekend
- They face Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday evening
- Andrea Pirlo has had his say on the poor fortunes of their captain Lionel Messi
Andrea Pirlo has suggested Lionel Messi’s lack of form could be down to a mental block, as opposes to a waning of his superpowers.
The Juventus boss was asked about the poor fortunes of the LaLiga giants ahead of their Champions League clash this week, with the clash set to decide who takes top spot in Group G.
Messi was on the pitch as Ronald Koeman’s side suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of minnows Cadiz on Saturday evening, a result that sees them languishing in ninth in the table – 12 points behind league leaders Atletico.
Lionel Messi has struggled to reach his usual best form for Barcelona under Ronald Koeman
And Pirlo believes that Messi’s inability to help turn things around are not because of his footballing ability.
‘He’s in a special moment in his life, not his career,’ Pirlo told reporters.
‘He had some problems in the summer, if he would stay at Barça or not, but during the game he’s shown his value.
‘More than in terms of football, maybe he has a mental problem, but I don’t want to get involved. It’s not to do with us. Messi is a phenomenon and he’s proven that.’