A distraught Lionel Messi was consoled by Luis Suarez after Barcelona’s defeat to Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday evening.
After their shock Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool, Barca had the chance to finish the season on a high by completing the domestic double.
But the Spanish champions found themselves two goals down to Valencia following efforts from Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno in the opening 45 minutes.
Messi scored with 17 minutes remaining to provide a lifeline for Barca but it wasn’t enough and Valencia managed to hold out for the win and lift their first trophy in 11 years.
After the full-time whistle, Messi looked visibly upset by Barcelona’s latest capitulation in a high-profile game and the Argentine was consoled on the pitch by Suarez, who missed the game as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
The defeat puts further pressure on Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, who now faces renewed calls to resign after the defeat.
But Gerard Pique insists the players want Valverde to remain at Camp Nou.
‘We want him to continue but it is a decision that does not depend on us and now it is time to value how the season has gone,’ Pique said after Saturday’s defeat.
‘We have said several times that we want Valverde to continue.
‘We have a lot of time to reflect on individual and group performance, we have a long summer to get better.
‘There are no excuses, we are obliged to win all competitions.’
