Messi is at his best in big games – Luis Enrique

The Argentine star was on target as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semis, though his coach was not surprised

Luis Enrique heaped praise on Lionel Messi for his goalscoring exploits against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, insisting you can always count on the Barcelona star to deliver when it matters most.

Mixed feelings for Luis Enrique after Barca win

Messi was on target as Barcelona defeated Diego Simeone’s men 2-1 at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner doubled Barca’s lead in the 33rd minute after team-mate Luis Suarez opened the scoring, unleashing a thunderous strike in off the post in Madrid.

“It’s in big, special games like this that Messi shines,” Luis Enrique told reporters post-match.

“There aren’t many words left to describe him.

“It’s in big games that we see the best of Messi.”

Barca will be without star forward Neymar for the return leg next week, but Luis Enrique has faith in his team’s depth.

Simeone frustrated by Atletico’s surrender

“If there is any team in the world who can cover absences it is Barca,” he said.

“[Neymar] is a key player for us, but we have players who can cover in his position.”