Lionel Messi believes that Ronaldinho is the general motivator of success at Camp Nou.


Star of the Lyon match, Lionel Messi has praised his team mate, Ronaldinho for the Brazilian's skill and sheer relevance to the Barca machinery. Messi admitted that Ronnie was the fluid which oiled the Barca machine and kept the engine room of the Blaugrana perfectly working. Messi also commented on the substitution of Ronaldinho in the match against Olympique Lyon, but still explaining there was no harm or damage done:

He is the best player in the world and is a key player in the team. Ronaldinho is very impressive and whether he is having a good or a bad game he is always capable of producing something. He also gives the side great mobility. That is normal, nobody likes to go off. Not him, not me, not Henry nor anyone else. I think that the public is with him and, if not, then they should be for all that he has given to this club.

Lionel Messi has been receiving many knocks from angry, scared, mesmerized, teased and taunted defenders alike, as most believe fouling the magical one is the only way to stop him from casting a spell on them. The skillful Argentine, who is not violent by nature, looks unto the referees for protection:

I just have to play and not worry about that. I’m feeling fine now and it’s the ref’s job to give me some protection.

Lionel finally reflects on the 3-0 victory over Lyon in the Champions League opener in which Messi ran down the visiting French men:

The result was specially important for the fans, since we’ve perhaps not been putting in the performances of late and last night just shows we are in fact on the right track. If the team clicks and we have confidence in ourselves, there’s no question but that we can carry off a victory against anyone.