Iniesta: Messi is special even without goals

 

The Blaugrana midfielder took some of the pressure of the Argentina forward, suggesting that there is no problem if he fails to score and praising the side's current form

Andres Iniesta has indicated that it is not a problem for Barcelona if team-mate Lionel Messi fails to score, suggesting that the 28-year-old is special even when he does not find the net.

After picking up a knee injury at the end of September, Barcelona were forced to continue in Messi's absence, with Neymar and Luis Suarez leading the way.

But after a substitute apperance in the dominant Clasico win over Real Madrid last weekend, the Argentina international returned to the Blaugrana starting line-up for Saturday's 4-0 win over Real Sociedad, netting a goal.

And speaking after the game, Iniesta praised his team-mate as the "number one".
"I don't think Leo needs to score to feel something special. He's the number one as far as we're concerned. If he scores, great; if not, no problem," the Spanish midfielder told reporters.

Iniesta also moved to keep expectations in check at the Camp Nou, following the club's sparkling form, warning his team-mates that there is a long way to go in the season yet.

"We need to try and make this good run of form last as long as possible and to keep growing," the 31-year-old added.

"There's still a long way to go and we're happy that we're on this great run, but we're not getting carried away. The most important thing is to stay up there where we are, and to transmit that positive vibe to the team and to our supporters."