Thierry Henry has leapt to the defence of ‘animal’ Lionel Messi after the desire of the Barcelona captain was questioned by some critics.
The Argentina superstar was infamously involved in a contract stand-off with the board during the summer after the annihilation in the Champions League to Bayern Munich.
It seemed as though Messi was set to join Manchester City and reunite with Pep Guardiola, but reversed his decision and watched as Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned along with the board of directors.
New boss Ronald Koeman decided to rest the 33-year-old on Saturday after he was seen walking during the Champions League victory over Dynamo Kiev in midweek.
Messi came off the bench and was as magisterial as ever, with Henry perplexed by the suggestion the six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s laziness or lack of commitment to the blaugrana is to blame for their poor form.
“I don’t understand when people question his desire. This is what bothers me. Sometimes guys pushed the ball by me and I walked.” he told the CBS Sports podcast Que Golazo.
“It wasn’t because of desire, sometimes I was tired, sometimes I just couldn’t do it, my brain wasn’t following me, it can happen or not happen.
“But how can you question the desire of Leo Messi? Really!? It’s just, for me, ludicrous. When I hear that I’m like, ‘What? Are we questioning his desire?’
“You can be bad, yes he can do better – well, I don’t even know if he can do more than he does – but questioning his desire? Please.
“Leo Messi is just an animal. Assists, passes, forget about it, we can stay all day.
“It’s pretty simple for me: just enjoy the guy while he’s there and stop complaining about stuff that he doesn’t do.
“It doesn’t happen often, let’s be honest, but like I said, if there is a guy that deserves a pass, it’s him.”
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman also defended his star player earlier this week insisting he didn’t see Messi walking.
“I didn’t seem him [walking] and I’m not interested in this because I don’t see him walking,” he said.
“If you want to start a controversy around this point, it’s your problem.”