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Lionel Messi makes the incredible seem normal - Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde
LIONEL MESSI makes the incredible seem normal, according to his manager.
The Argentine scored a sublime hat-trick in Barcelona’s 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven, including a magical free-kick.
That was Messi’s 48th career hat-trick, and his 101st, 102nd and 103rd goals in the Champions League.
And his display clearly left a lasting impression on his manager, Ernesto Valverde.
“Messi is normal because we always see it," he said.
“In any of us it would be abnormal, but he does extraordinary things and makes them routine.
“It was a magisterial free kick and we’re getting tired of repeating it, although some never do.”
Ivan Rakitic echoed the sentiments of his manager, saying that he doesn’t even have to look when his team-mate takes free-kicks.
He said: “A lot of the time when we get a free-kick we are already thinking about the celebration.
“It is always special and even more so if Leo puts it like that. This could be a year of a lot of trophies.”
Messi opened the scoring with his free-kick, before Ousmane Dembele scored a sublime second, with the Argentine then completing his hat-trick with two more impressive goals.
Dembele joined the club from Borussia Dortmund a year ago, and is ready to stamp his authority on the team after a slow first season.
Valverde insisted the French World Cup winner is ready to become a key player in his side, having cost £150m to acquire.
“Dembele is feeling very good," said Valverde.
“He finds the goal with continuity.
“He is able to beat the defence and break the balance of the game.”
Tuesday’s goal was Dembele’s fifth in six games this season, already more than he got last year.