Louis van Gaal blames Lionel Messi for Barcelona's failure at the Champions League

Former Barcelona and Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal hit out at Lionel Messi on the latter's birthday with stern criticism. Van Gaal blames the Barcelona captain for Barcelona's failure to win the coveted Champions League trophy since 2015. The 67-year-old also believes his successors have given the Blaugrana 10 too much freedom in recent years. He claimed Messi should be adapting to the team and not the team to him. Last season, Barcelona lost to eventual Champions League winners, Liverpool, in the semi-final.

“I believe that there is nothing more important than the team player,” said Van Gaal.

“Barca suffer from that. I think Messi should ask himself how it is possible that he’s gone so long without winning a Champions League.

“Look at Barcelona. How many Champions Leagues have they won with the one everybody says is the best player in the world? Look at Neymar at PSG. How many Champions Leagues has he won?

“He’s the best individual player in the world because his stats are amazing. But why hasn’t he won a Champions League for five years?

“As captain, you have to ask yourself why the team doesn’t win in Europe. I think that Messi is also responsible for what is happening at Barcelona, not just the coach.

“They have a squad of 30 players and I believe that Messi should adapt himself to the team, and not the other way around."

Van Gaal, a firm believer in team spirit, also argued that Pep Guardiola is the only Barcelona manager who treated Messi appropriately.

“Guardiola made him play to the benefit of the team but the last few coaches have adapted too much to Messi instead of protecting team spirit. Team spirit is the most important thing.

“Messi adjusted to Guardiola’s plan, not the other way around.”

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