Football
ESPN staff 9y

Lionel Messi says free kick goals in UEFA Super Cup were 'lucky'

Lionel Messi called his pair of free kick goals in the UEFA Super Cup "lucky" as he guided Barcelona to a 5-4, extra-time victory over Sevilla on Tuesday.

Messi placed the ball in the corner in the seventh and 15th minutes to go level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals in all UEFA club competitions with 80.

The game marked the first time in Messi's illustrious career that he scored twice from free kicks, but the Argentine remained humble after the game.

"I've just been lucky enough to score those and I'm very happy the team won and very grateful to everyone for their support and such a warm welcome," Messi said.

The UEFA Super Cup is Barcelona fourth trophy in 2015 and first in a season that will next see them face Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup beginning on Friday.

"The key thing is to win and to win as many trophies as possible," Messi said. "Winning today was significant because of what the Super Cup represents in terms of starting the season on the right foot, so we're delighted. All trophies are great."

Messi's goals rallied Barcelona back from an early deficit following Ever Banega's third-minute free kick.

Barcelona later wasted a 4-1 lead in the second half, but Messi insisted his team were superior.

"The match began strangely for us, we were losing but then I thought we were much better and stronger," Messi said.

"We had the ball for the first hour, we created opportunities and scored but then we relaxed and they pressed harder and scored and that was pretty tough.

"It looked like we were winning hands down but they came back."

Barcelona's winning goal followed another Messi free kick, with Pedro pouncing on the rebound.

After the game, the forward called his transfer situation "complicated" with a possible deal to Manchester United near, but Messi said he'd support Pedro no matter his future plans.

"I'm thrilled that Pedro was the one to get the winning goal," Messi said. "Personally I don't know what his decision will be but we're all with him and we'll back him. We want the best for him given what he's given the club -- he deserves the best.

"I don't know what he'll decide but whatever he'll have our support."

Javier Mascherano said he believes Pedro must stay with Barcelona for the upcoming season.

"Hopefully he can continue here," the Barcelona defender said. "He's one of those players who are made for special occasions like these and still with us for the time being."

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