Messi\\\'s creativity as important as goals, says Martino
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
MADRID, Jan 27 (AFP): Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino hailed compatriot Lionel Messi's passing ability after the Catalans moved back to the top of La Liga with a 3-0 win over Malaga at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
Messi's run without a goal on league duty stretched to eight games dating back to September, but after Gerard Pique had given the hosts the lead, he helped create Barca's second and third goals that were finished off by Pedro Rodriguez and Alexis Sanchez.
The four-time World Player of the Year had also shown his ability to function as a playmaker with three assists for Cristian Tello in Barca's 4-1 win over Levante in midweek.