The Copa del Rey is once again heading to Barcelona as Lionel Messi inspired Ronald Koeman‘s side to victory over Athletic Club in the final in Seville.
The Argentine, whose contract expires in June, scored twice in the second half in what might be his final cup final with Barcelona.
Messi was involved in everything that came off for Barcelona. He participated in the build-ups to the opening two goals before grabbing two for himself. Scoring those goals and lifting the trophy later, he couldn’t stop smiling. If the 33-year-old needed any reason to stay beyond this summer, surely he has it now.
Losing two Copa del Rey finals in the space of two weeks, including one to rivals Real Sociedad, is the stuff of nightmares for Athletic. Marcelino’s side didn’t really turn up for this match, letting Barcelona walk all over them.
Unai Simon did all he could to keep Barcelona at bay until his goal was finally breached by Antoine Griezmann. He saved from the Frenchman and Sergio Busquets at the start of the second half. Lucky Luis Enrique was watching.
Frenkie de Jong was quite brilliant. After hitting the post in the first half, he set up goals for Griezmann and Messi, also nodding one in for himself from Jordi Alba‘s cross. There was no doubt the Dutchman made the difference for Barcelona.
Fortunately, fans from Bilbao and Barcelona behaved themselves in the lead-up to the match. Hopefully it stays that way going into the night.
Iker Muniain doesn’t have much luck. He lasted just 45 minutes in this final after touching the trophy ahead of the one they also lost to Real Sociedad.
