“Players coming from Europe, you’ll pass out” - When Thierry Henry defended Lionel Messi after stern criticism over widely circulated clip

Former Barcelona forward Thierry Henry once defended Lionel Messi following criticism of his work ethic during a game. The Argentinian was seen walking on the pitch during the Catalans' 2-1 Champions League win over Dynamo Kyiv in November 2020.

The clip was widely circulated on social media and received much publicity. The diminutive magician scored from the penalty spot in the game, but he was mocked for his inability to close down an opposition defender during stoppage time.

However, speaking on the Que Golazo podcast after the game, Thierry Henry insisted that Lionel Messi was simply tired after a gruesome schedule with Argentina during the international break.

"When I see people still having a go at Messi for whatever reason, I laugh. I laugh because people forget that last month he went to play in Ecuador and then he went to play in Bolivia," said Henry.

He continued:

"Nobody is putting that in the bracket, that he had to take a 12-hour plane and you can’t even walk in Bolivia! Players coming from Europe, you’ll pass out. And then he travelled and he played again."

The French legend went on to point out that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had shown great tenacity against Real Madrid earlier that season.

"And yeah maybe in one game he’s tired, and so what? We’re talking about a guy that scored more goals than he played games. People forget that we’re not machines," said Henry.

He continued:

"In the Clasico, five or six times he went to tackle someone by the corner flag, but that doesn’t make the news – that’s when I just don’t get it. We’re still talking about that."

Lionel Messi ended the 2020/21 campaign with 38 goals and 14 assists from 47 games for Barcelona and won the Copa del Rey.

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When did Lionel Messi leave Barcelona?

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi rose through the ranks at Camp Nou, and went on to become Barcelona's greatest ever player. However, the Catalans failed to renew his contract in the summer of 2021, forcing him to leave the club.

The LaLiga giants were going through financial difficulties and simply couldn't afford the Argentinian's exorbitant wages. The six-time European Golden Shoe winner ultimately parted ways with the club that summer, and joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a Bosman move.

After two seasons in Ligue 1, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner moved to the MLS last year to join Inter Miami. He has since won two trophies with the Herons and is now fighting for the MLS Cup.