Messi has maintained exceptional standards this season: Luis Enrique

Messi scored a hat-trick against Deportivo la Coruna yesterday

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was immensely impressed with Lionel Messi, after he scored a hat-trick in Sunday’s match against Deportivo La Coruna. He added, the Argentine has never allowed his standards to drop the entire season. Barcelona won 4-0 to stay one point behind Real Madrid, although the latter have a game in hand.

The Spanish coach said, “He has been at a very high level throughout the season. At no time has it lowered.”

According to reports, Luis Enrique had to face severe criticism, after Barcelona lost their away match against Real Sociedad. It was suggested that Messi and Enrique were developing a rift between them.

After being benched against Real Sociedad, reports of the Argentine ace being unhappy with the manager surfaced at Camp Nou. Thus, linking him to an audacious move to Chelsea, especially after he had missed a training session.

Amidst the turmoil, Barcelona managed to register four wins, including two in the Copa del Ray and two in Liga BBVA, but head coach Enrique was far from being completely satisfied with the entire team’s performance.

He said, “We have always had defensive intensity away from home. We must be efficient in attack and in defence. But there are things to improve in both phases. Victories help."

Despite the rift, it seems sanctity is being restored at the Nou Camp as the relationship between Messi and Enrique continues to strengthen.