Lionel Messi says Barcelona team-mate Pedro merits his Uefa Super Cup winning goal against Sevilla for the contribution he has made to the Catalan outfit over the years.
The winger pounced on a rebound of a Messi free kick and slotted home deep into extra-time to make it 5-4 to Barca just hours after the club's technical secretary Robert Fernandez had said that the player wants to leave.
Pedro, though, has insisted he does not want to depart and Messi admits he does not know what lies in store for the 28-year-old. Nevertheless, he was happy to see the Spain international fire in the winning goal against Sevilla.
“He deserved it for everything he has given and continues to give to the club," he told reporters. "I don’t know what will happen with him - it’s a decision he has to take - but whatever he does, he deserves it."
Messi was not, however, content with the performance of his side as a whole. Having led 4-1, they were pegged back and required an additional 30 minutes to seal the first major honour of the season.
"We started very well and we took a significant lead but then we relaxed and a game that we had practically won became more difficult. We did everything to see the game out but we relaxed and ended up suffering in a game that we had all-but won," he said.
"The important thing was to win the Super Cup and to start the season well. Now we have another important title to go for against Athletic [in the Spanish Super Cup]."
