LONDON: Lionel Messi refused to take the credit for Barcelona’s 3-1 Champions League final win against Manchester United even though the Argentine maestro stole the show at Wembley with a sublime display.
Messi cemented his status as the best player of his generation with a fine goal to restore Barca’s lead in the second half and then played a key role in David Villa’s decisive third goal.
The 23-year-old was named man of the match as Barca celebrated their fourth European Cup and third in six years.
But the humble forward was keen to share the praise with his team-mates.
“To be the man of the match is the least important thing, because it was incredible how we played. We were very good in all areas,” he said.
“We’re very happy to lift another trophy. It was a difficult season but we showed who we are. We were the better team.”
Messi’s 12th goal of this season’s competition equalled Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Champions League record and team-mate Xavi added: “He is the number one, he makes the difference — he is just the best player in the world.”
There was an emotional moment for everyone connected with Barca when French international Eric Abidal was given the honour of lifting the European Cup two months after undergoing surgery to remove a liver tumour.
Abidal gave a superb display at left-back and fellow defender Daniel Alves said: “Even before all of this, we said our biggest victory, our most important trophy, was the recovery of Abi.
“We put on a spectacle for everyone who is passionate about football and who loves football. And I think that people who really like football will be very happy today because they have seen a great match.”
