What's up with Messi?

Barcelona have had the triumph of winning the Clásico. But there is serious concern about the form of one player. Of THE player, in fact. Leo Messi did not shine; it was difficult for him to get involved in the play and he looked downcast.

Messi did little more than start off a couple of counter-attacks. Throughout, he gave the impression, that there were forces that were making him disheartened. He made no effort and hardly ran at all. Just the same, Tata Martino kept him on the field for the whole 90 minutes.

Messi left behind one of the impressions of the night, which he usually does. He ran onto the pitch after the interval and he appeared to be retching. From then on his contribution to the game was minimal.