Lionel Messi Issues Warning To Barcelona As Real Madrid Wins La Liga Title

KEY POINTS

Lionel Messi vented his frustration as Barcelona suffers another setback in La Liga
Real Madrid clinched the league title on Thursday
Messi urged to Barca to rediscover their identity heading to the Champions League

A furious Lionel Messi vented his ire on yet another setback for Barcelona as Real Madrid clinched the La Liga title. The Argentine superstar could not hide his frustration following Barca’s 2-1 loss against Osasuna on Thursday, prompting him to issue a brash warning on his club as they set their sights on the Champions League next.

"If we're not good enough for La Liga, how will be good enough for the Champions League?" Messi told Movistar+, via Evening Standard.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner had a few choice words on the Catalans, lambasting the club for its lack of will, most particularly on the final stretch of the league season, as their Spanish rivals took the driver’s seat en route to stealing the trophy.

"We didn't want to finish like that but it is a mark of how the season has been: an inconsistent and very weak team. Other teams beat us in intensity and determination."

As he urged his teammates to reflect on their failed La Liga campaign, Messi served a resounding warning that the type of drive they have shown since the restart would simply not work in the Champions League.

"Roma, Liverpool... the fans are losing patience because we're not giving them anything," Messi said. "If we want to fight for the Champions League, we have to change many things. We need to be self-critical.

"I already said that if we carried on as we were, it wouldn't be good enough in Europe. If we want to fight for the Champions League, we are going to need to change a lot."

While he credited Real Madrid for winning the league title, Messi also stressed the need to move forward and grow as he demanded Barcelona to rediscover their winning identity.

"We need to be self-critical, starting with the players. We are Barca and we're obliged to win all our games,” the 33-year-old said.

The Blaugrana will be testing its mettle when they face Napoli in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at Camp Nou before a potential showdown against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal.