Barcelona club legend Lionel Messi has revealed he and his team-mates have been buoyed by the transfer window arrivals of Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina.
Former Liverpool star Coutinho made his Barca bow during the mid-week Copa del Rey triumph over city rivals Espanyol while Mina could be given a go against Alaves in La Liga this weekend.
For Messi, the Argentinian is pleased to see the club strengthening in the market and he himself has no problem being rested from time to time as squad competition increases.
“We got strong defensively and bought players of great quality, that solve problems,” the 30-year-old told reporters at an Adidas event on Friday.
“Both Coutinho and Yerry have arrived and we’re happy to have them with us.”
Messi was also asked whether he would mind being left out of certain matches this season, effectively rested, to keep him in tip-top shape – something he is nonplussed about.
“The coach decides,” the little maestro, who has plundered 26 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions for Blaugrana this term, said.
“I speak to him often and I have no problem in rotating, like my other team-mates.”
Meanwhile, with five Ballon d’Or titles to his name – the same as Cristiano Ronaldo – Messi isn’t focused on adding more to his decorated trophy cabinet, insisting he is not playing the game for personal honours.
He said: “I have already said that my goal is not individual prizes.”
