Former Arsenal midfielder forcefully removes Lionel Messi's jersey (photo)

macfranc007 February 10, 2018 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Oluwatomiwa Babalola

- Barcelona beat Valencia 2-0 to reach Copa del Rey final

- Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Rakitic scored the goals that propelled the Catalans to the final of the cup competition

- Frustrated Francis Coquelin pulled Messi's jersey while trying to stop the Argentine in the game

Barcelona star Lionel Messi once again stole the headlines in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Valencia, in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg clash at the Estadio Mestalla, as his famous jersey number 10 was forcefully pulled over his head by Francis Coquelin.

Goals from Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Rakitic in the second half propelled the Catalans to the final of this year’s edition of the cup competition, having won the reverse fixture 1-0 at the Camp Nou a fortnight ago to progress on 3-0 aggregate.

Although, the 31-year-old was not among the goals scorers in that encounter, he was in his usual element unstoppable as his jersey was almost removed by the former Arsenal midfielder in the 37th minute of the encounter.

Lionel Messi's jersey removed by Francis Coquelin in Copa del Rey win

Lionel Messi's jersey removed by Francis Coquelin in Barcelona's Copa del Rey win

But he (Coquelin) was lucky enough to have escaped booking as the center referee Undiano Mallenco ignored the entire scenario.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool player who scored his first goal for the current La Liga leaders in that encounter says scoring the opening goal was incredible, but felt playing alongside Messi feels better.

“It seems incredible, but every day Messi gets better, and as a team-mate I can only take advantage of my moments with him,” Coutinho said.

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"I've learned a lot from everyone and I've tried to take advantage of everything they taught me."

The 25-year-old also showered encomiums on manager Ernesto Valverde for playing him in his preferred position.

He said: "Valverde welcomed me in and he is always seeking to improve the team's game. He talks a lot with players in training and corrects positioning, which is important."

Coutinho joined Barcelona on a five-and -a-half year deal worth £142 million British record transfer deal from Liverpool in January 2018, and has become a key player in the squad, scoring one of the goals the pushed them closer to winning their first title this season.

Having spent five seasons at Anfield, the Brazilian was unable to win any title with the Reds but scored 41 goals in 152 matches in all competitions.

He began his senior career at Inter Milan where he won Coppa Italia in the 2010–11 and the Supercoppa Italiana: 2010.

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