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Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho reveals 'kind' Lionel Messi gesture
PHILIPPE COUTINHO has responded to team-mate Lionel Messi’s kind penalty gesture in their 6-1 win over Sevilla on Wednesday evening.
Philippe Coutinho, who has had a tough time at Barca as of late, scored a penalty in his side’s rampant Copa Del Rey win over Sevilla.
But it was Lionel Messi, who normally takes penalties for the Catalan club, that let Coutinho have the ball from the spot.
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The move suggests that rifts between the pair are untrue, after it was reported that Barca team-mates weren’t passing to the former Liverpool man on purpose.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a return to England this month, but to Liverpool’s fiercest rivals United.
It’s been suggested that executive vice-chairman at Old Trafford Ed Woodward wants to bring the Brazilian to Manchester, following an ordinary year at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea have also been linked with the former Merseyside man, but the Blues are now loaded in that position, having bought Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund for £58m.
But last night’s goal, and a big win over Sevilla, could be a turning point for the attacking midfielder.
Coutinho spoke about Messi’s gesture after the game, praising his Argentine team-mate for his selflessness.
"I tried everything and nothing was coming off. Leo encouraged me to take the penalty and that worked to help me gain confidence,” he said.
“It was not anything we had prepared, it was very kind on his part.
“The gesture shows how great he is as a person.”
Barca were magnificent in their victory over Sevilla, and the night ended with a fantastic team goal that was started and finished by Messi.
"It was a very special night for Barcelona fans everywhere; we knew that we had to come back after the bad result at the Sanchez-Pizjuan, we played very well and we deserved it," Coutinho added.
Messi also spoke about the game and why he chose to hand the ball to Coutinho.
“[Coutinho] took one against Levante and we spoke because he wanted to take it. I’m happy because that’s how it all started," he said.