The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296’s form and pointed towards his Argentine compatriot’s prolific goal-scoring record.
With http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 trailing arch-rivals Real Madrid in La Liga rankings by seven points, Lionel Messi has come under fire from different circles for La Blaugrana’s dwindling fortunes and his dip in form.
Argentina legend, Mario Kempes, added his name to the list of critics who believe the reigning Ballon d’Or winner’s form has fallen over the course of the season.
The 1978 World Cup winner attributed Barcelona’s exhausting schedule as the reason behind diminutive striker's recent sub-par displays.
However, Messi’s Camp Nou teammate http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841 captain remarked that Messi is still in top form and pointed towards his goal scoring exploits for La Blaugrana in La Liga.
Messi continued his prolific goal scoring form against Real Sociedad, bringing his tally to 6 goals in 5 league matches since the turn of new calendar year.
"He scored the other day [against Real Sociedad] and he looks fine to me,” the former West Ham and Liverpool player told reporters.
Mascherano rubbished claims that Messi is jaded and in need of rest after an exhilarating start to the season. Explaining his point of view, he remarked that Barcelona have an excellent coaching staff that takes care of every individual in the squad.
“The coach decides how much he needs to play. He [Messi] helps us a lot. For the matter of rest, we have physios and a coach who take charge of that."
The pint-sized attacker was diagnosed with growth hormone problems early in his teenage but has grown into a physical marvel in Catalonia. Mascherano stated that Messi is different when compared with the rest of the players.
Continuing on the topic, the San Lorenzo-born player added that Messi is a mainstay in the squad for every fixture because he is physically capable of being so.
“He is a player who prefers playing to training. Every physique is different. If he plays every match, it's because he's in the condition to do so."
Messi has been sensational in the 2011/12 season thus far, scoring 37 goals and laying down 18 assists in 36 competitive matches.
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