Antonio Conte: What I told Lionel Messi after Chelsea FC exit to FC Barcelona
Antonio Conte explains what he said to Lionel Messi after Chelsea FC's loss to FC Barcelona
Antonio Conte has revealed that he was simply complimenting Lionel Messi for his performance after the Argentine forward helped to inspire FC Barcelona to a 3-0 win over Chelsea FC in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The attacker was once again in fine form for the Spanish side as he scored twice to add to Ousmane Dembele’s strike at Camp Nou to send Chelsea FC crashing out at the last 16 stage.
Conte was pictured talking to Messi at length as the players left the pitch after the second leg of the Champions League last 16 clash.
And the Blues boss has revealed that he was simply congratulating the Argentina international for a brilliant performance against his side.
Speaking at his post-match news conference, Conte said: “When you have the opportunity to make a great complement to Messi, it is right to recognise a super, super, super top player.
“You are talking about a player who every season can score 60 goals, not just in one season.
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity at the end of the game to give him my complement. We are talking about an extraordinary player, the best in the world.”
Chelsea FC will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday when they travel to Leicester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
The Blues are now playing for the FA Cup and a top four finish in the Premier League, with Conte’s side currently fifth in the table and facing an uphill battle to get back into the Champions League qualification spots.
Chelsea FC won the Premier League title in Conte’s first campaign in charge last season.
