Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde claims it was always his intention to bring on Lionel Messi in the second half against Levante, as the Argentine scored to help Barca to the La Liga title.
The Blaugrana were being held by a resielient Levante side at the Camp Nou on Saturday but it was Messi who broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, having come on for Phillipe Coutinho as a sub.
Some questioned whether it was Valverde's intention to bring Messi on, with Barcelona set to play Liverpool in a Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
However, the Barca boss was adamant Messi was always going to be involved at some stage, as his goal helped the Catalan giants wrap up the La Liga title.
He told Movistar Partidazo: "No. That was planned.
"I was clear that he was going to play, but we have a game on Wednesday (against Liverpool).
"You have to be active, score goals from different areas and he gave us the title."
Barca can now look forward to their first-leg clash with Jurgen Klopp's side on Wednesday, with the Reds making the trip to Catalonia before the return leg at Anfield on 7th May.
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Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde claims it was always his intention to bring on Lionel Messi in the second half against Levante, as the Argentine scored to help Barca to the La Liga title.
The Blaugrana were being held by a resielient Levante side at the Camp Nou on Saturday but it was Messi who broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, having come on for Phillipe Coutinho as a sub.
Some questioned whether it was Valverde's intention to bring Messi on, with Barcelona set to play Liverpool in a Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
However, the Barca boss was adamant Messi was always going to be involved at some stage, as his goal helped the Catalan giants wrap up the La Liga title.
He told Movistar Partidazo: "No. That was planned.
"I was clear that he was going to play, but we have a game on Wednesday (against Liverpool).
"You have to be active, score goals from different areas and he gave us the title."
Barca can now look forward to their first-leg clash with Jurgen Klopp's side on Wednesday, with the Reds making the trip to Catalonia before the return leg at Anfield on 7th May.
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Source: bet365.com