Angel Cappa has clarified his recent criticism of Lionel Messi, explaining his comments were taken out of context.
Cappa, a coach at Barcelona under Cesar Luis Menotti in the 1980s, spoke to Catalan radio and it was claimed he accused Messi of losing his passion for football.
But Cappa has since spoken to Marca and insisted that he was misinterpreted, saying it was to be expected Messi’s performances dipped after injury and so many years at the top.
“I commented we were in a logical process for a player after winning so much,” Cappa said.
“You lose your competitiveness.
“It’s a self-defence mechanism of the body. No one, not even Messi, can perform at the highest level their entire life. It’s impossible. Barca are not the same as a few years ago.
“I said it in context and not the interpretation that was given.
“I think Leo has spent 10 years at the highest level and it would be unfair to ask him to always play the same.
“And we are seeing Messi like Barcelona, choosing when they play at their best. In one game there’s bright moments but not in others.
“Against Valencia, for example, a magnificent first half and then a second quite the opposite.
“It is logical that after the injury and beating 58,000 records the passion isn’t the same.”
