Louis Van Gaal Jabs Messi And Neymar

By Joshua Walters

Former Barcelona manager Louis van Gaal has criticised Lionel Messi over the latter’s inability to lead Barcelona to European glory for some time.

The currently retired Dutch trainer is entreating the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to ask himself a lot of questions for not winning something with the side in Europe.

Van Gaal in an interview with El Pais stressed both Messi and Neymar do not contribute to team success but rather play for individual honours, an attitude he stressed was not present during Pep Guardiola’s era at Barcelona.

"Look at Barça. How many Champions League titles have their won with the person they say is the best player in the world? Look at Neymar at PSG. How many Champions League titles have they won? Neymar and Messi are players I like as individuals but they aren't team players."

"Guardiola won with Barcelona because he had Messi, but he didn't let him play his own way," the Dutchman explained.

"Messi adjusted to the team and not the other way around."

"Messi must ask himself why it's been so long since he won a Champions League. He's the best individual player in the world because his numbers are incredible. I like him a lot! But, why hasn't he won a Champions League in five years? Why? As captain, he should ask why his team hasn't won in Europe."

"I remember Neymar at Barça played for Messi. I've got nothing against Neymar. He's fantastic but at PSG he doesn't play for the team. And I think that every player should play for their team (first), including Messi."