MESSI LOSING HIS PASSION AND HOW TO FIX IT

This week it was suggested by ex-Barcelona assistant manager, Angel Cappa, that Lionel Messi may be losing his passion for the game after a decade as a senior player at an elite level. Cappa's ominous words may be based on the Messi's last few months of injury struggles and a lack of goals in recent weeks since his recovery. Having dropped the Ballon d'Or to arch rival Cristiano Ronaldo must also hurt. Realistically however, Messi is just 26 so he should be entering the very peak of his career.

Some changes have occured at Barcelona which explain Messi's turbulent 2013. Tito Vilanova had been appointed as Pep Guardiola's successor in the managerial hotseat and his forced resignation due to his battle with cancer certainly left a painful scar with the entire squad. They managed to secure the La Liga title last term but some serious psychological damage was done in their 7-0 aggregate defeat to eventual Champions League winners Bayern Munich in the semi-final. An injured Messi featured in the second leg, a desperate move for a player with a damaged hamstring who should not have been on the pitch that night.

That aside, 2014 is a fresh start for Leo. Regaining his fitness and form, Barcelona have a big few months ahead with a three-way title race domestically against Real and Atletico Madrid and a mouth-watering clash against Manchester City in the Champions League ahead. Messi could dispell Cappa's comments by helping the Catalans beat City with authority but if not, big doubts will start to creep into his mind in this World Cup year. Argentina have some incredible attacking players and are generously placed as second favourites to win in Brazil next summer by many bookmakers but they have a terrible tendency to underachieve at World Cups and should they flatter to deceive again, Messi will take the bulk of the blame. Since the appointment of Alejandro Sabella as Argentine head coach, Messi's international form has improved vastly and hopes are being pinned on him to lead them to glory like Diego Maradona did in 1986. 2014 could map out the rest of Messi's career.

So how do Barcelona improve Messi for now? Getting Xavi and Andres Iniesta back to their best could help. With the recent form of Thiago Alcantara at Bayern Munich, Barca must be ripping their hair out in frustration at letting such a midfield talent go. Although Messi can win games on his own, having a midfield pass master in behind him can be of huge benefit. Barca don't manipulate possession as effectively under Tata Martino's management. Their style is more direct this season and perhaps it is to Messi's goalscoring detriment. Getting Neymar fit and back in the team should also boost La Pulga Atomica. His youthful enthusiasm and creativity can only benefit their front line. Their next game is this Sunday in the league, a tricky away trip to Sevilla. Messi needs to get on the scoresheet and help his side to a win there or else speculation about his status as the greatest player of his generation will continue to increase. Messi always rises to the challenge. This is just the latest one.

D. Ray Morton, 7th February 2014.

@D_Ray_Morton