Pedro Rodriguez has dismissed the suggestion that Lionel Messi’s form is a sign that Barcelona are overly reliant on him.
The Argentine extended his goalscoring record in La Liga to 14 consecutive games this weekend, with his 36th and 37th League strikes, which were also his 300th and 301st career strikes for the club in all competitions.
However, when asked if this was a sign that Barca were Messi-dependent, teammate Pedro was clear in his belief.
“No. Clearly he is a key player for his contribution, his goals,” commented the attacker to gathered reporters today.
“He always takes the team on his back and if he is not on form then it is noticeable, but the team is very strong and I do not believe that we are Messi dependent.
“Messi is a player with great ambition. These figures are unimaginable. He is getting lots of goals and I hope he continues with this ambition and desire.
“He is a decisive player, the best in the world. It may be that the best is yet to come from Messi. He has exceeded again in getting a new record number of goals.
“Him and Iniesta on form? Whenever they do things you realise they are spectacular.
“They are the two best players in the world and it is true that they are also at a great level now.
“It is important that they maintain this level to keep winning.”
Pedro was asked whether Iniesta played better in midfield or on the left of an attacking three.
“Iniesta when playing on the wing is free to move wherever he wants and create more space.
“Inside he maintains his position a little more, but nothing changes and he always moves the ball on the field. He is very destabilising for opponents.”
Barca are preparing for a midweek trip out to Milan for the first leg of their Champions League Last 16 clash.
“Milan are a team that have always been difficult. They are very good and have dangerous players who are just as dangerous as in the previous seasons.
“In the Champions League anything can happen, it’s hard to pick a favourite in these two-legged games.
“We will play like we always do with possession of the ball and try to attack. Goals are important to get away from home and we are going into this one to try and win it.
“True, we have conceded more goals than we thought we would have so far this season. We’re going out for the win as usual, attacking against any team and in every game.
“We have to stay focused and be guarded and mind the defensive play of our game.”
