With Barcelona out of the Champions League, Lionel Messi’s chances of ending on a trophy-winning high have been slimmed significantly. The iconic winger is yet to sign a contract extension at the Nou Camp and, as it stands, will be available on a free this summer. But, as Atletico Madrid continue to slip, it is clear the La Liga title race is far from over, and Messi could well yet receive a fitting farewell.
He has won it all at Barcelona. Yet, in truth, the awards have dried up in recent years, replaced by a growing crisis at the club. Messi’s exit will only add to the chaos, should he fail to sign a deal, but he’ll want to end on a high after many successful years.
As things stand, Barcelona sit just four points away from Atletico Madrid – the current leaders. Those at the Nou Camp are just waiting, almost in predatorial fashion, for Diego Simeone and co to make just two more slips with 11 games to go.
The La Liga Title Race is Far From Over
Reignited Messi Helping to Drag Barcelona to Title Push
At Christmas, the title looked out of reach; it seemed out of the question to even believe for one second that it was going anywhere but Diego Simeone’s grateful grasp. Fast-forward to March, and a reignited Lionel Messi has dragged his Barcelona side into a title chase.
His form amid the chaos of the back end of last year could have been questioned- especially at the very start of the season. But as the reports silenced, presidency changed, and Atletico Madrid began their slide, Barcelona were left with one man to turn to when looking to reignite their season.
And, as he often does, that man has stepped up since the turn of the year to make for an exciting end to the La Liga title race. Since the beginning of 2021, Messi has recorded 14 goals and six assists in 12 La Liga games.
The Argentine winger sits top of the La Liga scoring charts and one assist away from topping the assists chart. He has looked like a man desperate to end his stay by lifting the league title high; he has looked like the Lionel Messi we all know and are often left in awe towards.
Pressure Mounting on Atletico Madrid
Atletico, unlike Barcelona in recent times, look like a side under an increasing amount of pressure. The title looked sealed in December, Luis Suarez was flying, and so were Atletico Madrid.
Since then, they have struggled- allowing a Barcelona side led by a Lionel Messi out to end on a high back into the La Liga title race.
This weekend looks to be one of the most important yet, with Atletico up against Alaves. Meanwhile, Barcelona are up against the challenge of Real Sociedad.
When comparing the fixtures, both sides undoubtedly face a difficult run-in. Barcelona have the El Clasico to contend with alongside games against Sociedad and Valencia to come. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid still have Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla to play.
The coming weeks should provide us all with a significant spectacle to pay witness to before the game of all games in the La Liga title race between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The two square off with four games to go, 12 points to play for and a title to decide.
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