Messi – Barcelona throws no competition

Lionel Messi insisted that Barcelona had never considered throwing the Copa del Rey after his victory over Sevilla on Wednesday.

The La Liga leaders crushed Seville 6-1 at Camp Nou for a 6-3 overall victory in the quarter-finals. Philippe Coutinho scored twice to score goals for Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto, Luis Suarez and Messi.

Messi, who recently revealed the criticism he receives from his son Thiago, downplayed any suggestion that the Barca would simply give up the competition to focus on the Liga and the Champions League.

"It was said that we had launched the cup or that we did not want it, or maybe my message was misinterpreted at the beginning of the season," he said. Barca TV .

"The team wants to fight for all three competitions, as it is still the obligation of Barcelona every year.

"We do not throw anything."

Coutinho started Barca's return with a 13th minute penalty, which Messi left to the Brazilian – whose form was in doubt – to take.

Messi explained his decision to allow the 26-year-old, who had completed his double in the second half, to start.

"I wanted him to hit and we solved the problem because the important thing was to win," he said.

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"He scored and I'm happy because it's there that it all started."

Coutinho thanked Messi after the match for allowing him to take the penalty while the Catalans sealed their place in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.

While Barcelona won on Wednesday, the two players fainted after having prematurely confirmed the pbadage of Denis Suarez to Arsenal.