Lionel Messi allowed Philippe Coutinho to take a penalty against Sevilla, with the Brazilian grateful for the gesture.
Philippe Coutinho thanked Lionel Messi for allowing him to take a confidence-boosting penalty as Barcelona hammered Sevilla to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Coutinho has endured a difficult season with Ousmane Dembele seemingly preferred by Ernesto Valverde, but the France winger's hamstring injury has opened a spot in Barca's attack.
And Coutinho grabbed his chance with both hands in Wednesday's second leg, scoring twice as Barca heaped more Copa del Rey misery on Sevilla, whom they battered 5-0 in last year's final.
Barca's 6-1 victory overturned a 2-0 deficit from the first leg when Messi was rested by Valverde, but the captain was in inspirational form at Camp Nou.
And when Messi was fouled by Quincy Promes he allowed Coutinho to step up to beat Juan Soriano and get the rout up and running, with former Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez, Sergi Roberto and Messi himself also on target.
"The penalty has come naturally," Coutinho told Barca TV. "Leo's gesture shows how great it is.
"Thanks to Leo, for letting me kick the penalty, that's good for the confidence of the group.
"We knew that to overcome, we had to be involved from the beginning."
Barca join Real Betis and Valencia in the semi-finals, with either Real Madrid or Girona to join them on Thursday.
ToaLim
363
This is what i consider humanity is all about.Messi being on Golden boots run with his close rivals gave the penalty to countinho and with which he got a chance to shine for himself and for his team. This is the reason why the world is in LOVE with this humblest players of all time.
senakash
172
you should not celebrate 1st leg win over barca without Messi because the 2nd leg will be a bad dream. Dedicated to Sevilla and levante
whykallar
75
Dembele is more better then Coutinho, likewise they're two different people who doesn't play in same position, i hate when the madia is saying "Valverde preferred Dembele that of Coutinho" The fact is the way our coach always choosing his team make it difficult for him, you can have both Dembele and Coutinho playing at the same time on Barca team, The goat is very smart, he knows very well that he's not too good at penalty kick, he decided to ask Coutinho to take the kick, great job, other players could take the kick, you're a leader Messi.
AntimTalukder
66
Messi gave the penalty to Coutinho helping him to get back his confedence.Because we all know that he is the future star of the Barcelona.
bisaeklmpt
61
When I say that Messi is the best Player ever, some people don't understand me, being the best player doesn't consists of what you play on the pitch alone but your attitudes as a human being, he's such a kind and emotional person!![cup][cup]
zizadeisu
54
Say what u may,Messi is just a too humble in life and that's why he's the best.. Can CR7 do dat to his team mates when he himself is just too selfish in life ?? Leo is a goat...... D best for all the reasons !!
pecadmotuy
54
take notes Neymar. Messi has shown how to be a true leader and not be selfish
blankie
52
So happy for you, Coutinhio! 😉
MikeJuwon
36
Messi gave Coutinho the opportunity to get back to his best..! The selfless GOAT 🐐 I'm so happy for Coutinho