Lionel Messi’s leadership has proven to be highly significant. Following successful collaborations with Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho, the star forged a new partnership with Neymar and Luis Suarez. With increased experience at the club, Messi’s decision-making carried considerable weight. Luis Suarez elaborates on how Messi’s tactical acumen and leadership, overseeing Coach Luis Enrique’s plan, played a pivotal role in establishing the formidable trio: Messi, Suarez, and Neymar, famously known as ‘MSN.’
What Suarez Said?
In a recent interview, the Uruguayan forward revealed that Luis Enrique, who served as Barcelona’s head coach from 2014 to 2017, preferred deploying Lionel Messi in the role of a false 9. Nevertheless, the Argentine legend desired the Uruguayan to take on the role, citing Suarez’s challenges in performing effectively as a winger.
The former Paris Saint-Germain player also assured Suarez that he would create opportunities on the right flank for him to score. According to Suarez, that kicked off the famous MSN trio that scored tons of goals. However, while saying all these, Suarez also stated that Messi was once addressed as a ‘fat man’.
Barcelona and The MSN
The trio emerged as a formidable force. With Messi and Neymar already shining in the Barcelona attack, their combined goals and assists in the previous season totalled 85. Following Suarez’s addition, the team swiftly clinched the 2014–2015 season treble, securing the UEFA Champions League title. Luis Enrique’s arrival in the same year further solidified their dominance, which is evident in their stellar performances.
The trio remarkably scored 122 goals during the 2014–2015 season alone. Over the three seasons together, their cumulative goals reached an astonishing 363 in all competitions. Suarez delivered an outstanding performance in the 2015-16 season, recording 59 goals and 24 assists. Although a reunion between Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi is rumoured at Inter Miami years later, their time at Barcelona undeniably left an enduring legacy.
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