Leo Messi and Gerard Pique Under Scrutiny for Visiting Barcelona Casino

Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique have been the subject of heavy media criticism after they were pictured outside the Casino Barcelona mere 48 hours before the Champions League clash with Manchester City.

The Catalans are preparing for Wednesday’s high-profile game at the Etihad as they are determined to make amends for the weekend’s defeat to Malaga, but they could have clearly done without the hype that is surrounding said visit to the casino establishment.

Snapshots of Messi, Pique and their former teammate Cesc Fabregas leaving the Casino Barcelona at midnight on Sunday emerged on the following day, with Barcelona coach Luis Enrique forced to respond to some difficult questions at a pre-match press conference in Manchester.

The Trio Was Not Gambling at the Casino

The Spanish media does not seem to be concerned by the behaviour of Barca star players, as it is believed that the duo only dined with the Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas and did not even get close to casino tables or slot machines.

The Catalans coach Luis Enrique seemed unconcerned by the latest developments even though the players clearly timed their much publicised visit wrong, having suffered a disappointing defeat to Malaga the previous day and due to fly to Manchester mere 10 hours later.

Enrique has endured a difficult start to his career at Camp Nou, having reportedly fallen out of favour with superstar Lionel Messi, although the run of 11 straight wins seriously improved the atmosphere in the squad.

Barca Facing City for Second Year Running

Barcelona players will be very motivated to put the latest developments behind them and record a positive result in the first leg of their Champions League Last 16 Stage clash with Manchester City, and thus make amends for the Malaga loss.

It is important to note that the two sides met at the same stage last term, with the Catalans enjoying a 4-1 aggregate win, and they seem rightly considered favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals with the bookies.

Barcelona footballers have become famous for exemplary behaviour on and off the pitch and we have no reason to doubt that Leo Messi and Gerard Pique will be fully focused on the task at hand despite enjoying an untimely night out.

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