Lionel Messi marked his return from an almost two-month injury absence by coming off the bench to score two late goals as Barcelona beat Getafe 4-0 in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
While Cesc Fabregas also scored twice, the atmosphere at the far-from-capacity Camp Nou only picked up with Messi’s entrance as a substitute in the 64th minute.
The Argentina forward showed no after-effects from a torn left hamstring.
Photo: AFP
“I felt good in training and even if they checked me thoroughly, once you get on the field it’s totally different,” Messi said. “Physically I felt good, I didn’t feel any discomfort in my muscle.”
“I played through injury,” Messi said of the buildup to his 59-day absence, when he was bothered by various problems.
“But I did well to get through all of this. And now I’m motivated to make this a great year,” he added.
Messi slotted home Martin Montoya’s lay-off inside the area on the stroke of stoppage-time, before capping a typical run through the opponent’s defense with a rising shot into the back of the net moments later.
“Messi’s career is like a movie script,” Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said. “When you think he’s down, he scores goals within just two or three minutes. His game was like a summary of his entire career here.”
Pedro Rodriguez found Fabregas inside the area with a well-placed cross to head home the ninth-minute opener, and Fabregas later doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in front of 39,299 fans at the 100,000-capacity stadium.
Barcelona were without forward Neymar because of a stomach bug. The game was watched by the team’s former coach Tito Vilanova, who showed the effects of his cancer treatment.
In other last-16, first-leg matches, last-place Real Betis set aside their La Liga woes to beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0 at home, while second-division side Alcorcon also started with a 1-0 home victory against Espanyol.
Racing Santander drew 1-1 against Almeria in a tension-filled matchup marked by player protests and the director’s box being stormed by spectators.
Santander has quickly slid down the professional ranks into the third division since their relegation from topflight football two seasons ago.
Tension was high among the 1,500 fans in the El Sardinero from the kickoff when players stood idly for 20 seconds in protest at not being paid their wages for three months.
A group of spectators also attempted to confront club president Alfonso Garcia and the directors in their seats, and clashes with police followed.
At the Benito Villamarin Stadium, Betis forward Ruben Castro headed home Juanfran Moreno’s long cross at the far post in the 42nd minute for the winner.
Cedric Mabwati and Joan Verdu came close as Betis controlled the first half before Athletic improved. Kike Sola marked his return from injury with the visitors’ best chances, hitting a post just before stoppage-time.
Dani Pacheco scored as Alcorcon continued their good run in the domestic cup competition against Espanyol, who were without coach Javier Aguirre, who was serving the first of a four-game ban.
Real Madrid were scheduled to play Osasuna yesterday, while Rayo Vallecano were to face Levante.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely