Ivan Rakitic has congratulated Lionel Messi for setting a new League goals record and commended his Barcelona teammate for his attitude.
Messi scored a hat-trick as Barca beat Sevilla 5-1 with Rakitic also on target against his former team.
Rakitic, the Sevilla captain prior to moving to Camp Nou, didn’t celebrate his goal and explained why to reporters, and insisted there is no problem with Luis Enrique after he was left out of the side to play Real Madrid.
“I didn’t celebrate because I’ve got Sevilla in my heart, but I’m very happy with the win,” he said, AS reports.
“Our game has been quite complete and we know that Sevilla have been having a very good season.
“Now we want to enjoy the victory and prepare for the next game. It will be very complicated but that’s the best way. There’s nothing better than playing big games and enjoying them.
“It didn’t affect me to not play at Santiago Bernabeu. I respect the decisions of the Coach.”
On Messi, Rakitic revealed the celebration of the players, lifting Messi up over their heads, wasn’t something pre-planned.
“I wasn’t prepared. It was something to show what he means to us. It was a joy to be part of this with him and I hope he stays here for many years and scores many more goals,” the Croatian added.
“Messi shows his quality on the pitch and off it. He’s a quiet guy. He has a lot of quality as a teammate, a father and a husband. He is an amazing guy who always has a smile and is open for everyone.”
