What Lionel Messi Tells Andres Iniesta When Things Aren't Going Well

Andres Iniesta's autobiography, titled "The Move of My Life" was released back in September and features a whole host of fascinating insight into the on and off the pitch ventures of one of the most gifted players in football history.

Iniesta, now captain at Barcelona, is undoubtedly a genius. The things he can do with a football often has you frothing, as he trots around the pitch with his low sense of gravity and innate passing range - spotting passes that you didn't even think were on.

He must be a joy to play with. If you're a Barcelona or Spain attacker, you just know that if Iniesta gets on the ball and you make the right runs, he'll find you.

In the aforementioned Iniesta book, there's a stand-out quote from Lionel Messi on how he looks to Iniesta for when things aren't going well.

Image: PA

That has been the case for Barca on a number of instances this term. They ran Real Madrid close in the La Liga title race, but ultimately did not have enough about them to make up and were made to rue several games over the course of the domestic season where they dropped points in games they really ought to have won.

In the Champions League, the feeling was pure euphoria when they did the unthinkable to overcome a 4-0 last 16 first leg deficit to defeat PSG, but they lacked ideas and invention in the next round and were deservedly knocked about Juventus, who did the damage in the first leg with a 3-0 win at home, and shut out Barca completely at the Nou Camp in the second leg.

Image: PA

So when things aren't going to plan for Barcelona, what does Messi try and do?

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner spoke about what he says to Iniesta in tough times as part of the 32-year old's autobiography.

As quoted by Sport via El Periodico, he said:

"On the pitch I like to have him close, above all if the game is strange, tough or rough. I tell him: 'Come close, stand by my side'. He grabs the team, drives it, looks for me, gives it to me. He's a modest person and as a player is magical, everything he does with the ball is amazing."

Barcelona still have the chance to end the season, and Luis Enrique's reign at the Nou Camp, with silverware, in the form of the Copa Del Rey final against Alaves on Saturday.

And if the game is tough or rough, then you know what Messi will be saying to Iniesta...

(h/t Give Me Sport)

Topics: FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_