Magical Messi hits four in Guardiola's Barca farewell
Source: Agencies |
May 7, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
LIONEL Messi scored four goals to take his La Liga tally to 50 this season as Barcelona hammered Espanyol 4-0 on Saturday in an emotional last game at the Nou Camp for outgoing coach Pep Guardiola.
Messi netted twice from the penalty spot, once from a free kick and the other was a low finish into the corner following a thrilling breakaway.
After notching his fourth from the spot, a record 72nd goal in all competitions this season, the World Player of the Year ran to the touchline and hugged Guardiola while the rest of the squad gathered to join them in a huddle.
Guardiola is leaving at the end of the campaign, to be replaced by assistant Tito Vilanova, after winning 13 trophies in four seasons, including two Champions Leagues. He has one La Liga away game and the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao left before he goes but the crowd gave him a huge sendoff in the city derby, with a huge banner hanging from the stands saying 'We love you Pep'.
Guardiola was ushered on to the pitch at the end and given a microphone to address the crowd. "To feel so loved these four years, you don't know how happy that makes me feel," he said, choking back the tears. "Thank you everyone."
Messi netted twice from the penalty spot, once from a free kick and the other was a low finish into the corner following a thrilling breakaway.
After notching his fourth from the spot, a record 72nd goal in all competitions this season, the World Player of the Year ran to the touchline and hugged Guardiola while the rest of the squad gathered to join them in a huddle.
Guardiola is leaving at the end of the campaign, to be replaced by assistant Tito Vilanova, after winning 13 trophies in four seasons, including two Champions Leagues. He has one La Liga away game and the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao left before he goes but the crowd gave him a huge sendoff in the city derby, with a huge banner hanging from the stands saying 'We love you Pep'.
Guardiola was ushered on to the pitch at the end and given a microphone to address the crowd. "To feel so loved these four years, you don't know how happy that makes me feel," he said, choking back the tears. "Thank you everyone."
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