‘It’s an honour’ – Flick delighted by Messi’s Barcelona praise

Hansi Flick says it is an “honour” to hear Lionel Messi praise Barcelona's start to the season.

Flick took over as Barcelona head coach in May, with the club making an impressive start in LaLiga as they sit top with 33 points after thirteen games.

They have won eleven of their matches and lost the other two, while they sit sixth in the Champions League, just three points behind leaders Liverpool.

Messi, who spent 17 years at Barcelona before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, recently described Flick's team as “spectacular”, particularly praising his use of young players in the team.

The German has not shied away from using academy players during his time at Barcelona so far, with Lamine Yamal the standout of the pack after taking last season's form into this campaign.

𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 #CeltaBarça pic.twitter.com/bsGMDFs7C8

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 23, 2024

Yamal is the only player in Europe's top five leagues to complete more than 25 dribbles (34), create 25+ chances (26), take 25+ shots (39), score 5+ goals (five) and provide 5+ assists (seven) .

When asked how he felt about Messi's comments, Flick was delighted.

“It's an honor to hear the best player in history say he loves this Barca,” he told reporters.

“He follows the team closely, he has set his sights on this club, which means a lot for the young people and for the team.”

Barcelona return to LaLiga on Saturday when they travel to Celta Vigo looking to extend their lead at the top of the league.