Barcelona Argentine reflects on elimination

Barcelona star Lionel Messi gave an interview to ESPN FC in which he offered his thoughts on the Champions League final, while also reflecting on the Catalan club's achievements so far this season.

The forward, disappointed by the club's exit from the Champions League, wants to focus on the realistic target of a league and cup double for his side as they enter a pivotal period of the campaign.

"For the people of Barcelona, it would be a pleasure to see Atletico win the Champions League. In Barcelona, supporters would prefer to see Real win nothing," he said.

"Atletico are a very uncomfortable and difficult opponent to face, but they and Diego Simeone are there on merit.

"We have two finals now, one in the league and one in the cup. A league title is very difficult to win, so you have to win it and then reflect on the achievement and savour it. It would be great to end the year with two titles."