Messi: We suffered but we won together

A delighted Lionel Messi admits Barcelona were made to suffer to defend their domestic double this season.

Luis Enrique’s side claimed the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 victory over Sevilla on Sunday to add to the Liga title they won on the final matchday.

Barca had Javier Mascherano sent off before half-time at the Vicente Calderon, but goals from Jordi Alba and Neymar – set up by Messi – sealed the win in extra-time after Ever Banega had been dismissed for Sevilla.

With the Catalans having almost thrown the title away with a three-game losing streak in April before finishing just a point ahead of Real Madrid, Messi was left to reflect on a true battle for silverware.

“We fought hard, we suffered, but in the end we all won together. League Champions and now… Cup Winners!!” he wrote on his official Facebook page.

The Copa del Rey was Barca’s fourth trophy of a superb season, after they lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup before the turn of the year.

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