Former Barcelona head coach Cesar Luis Menotti believes that Lionel Messi is suffering from mental fatigue following a poor run of form.
He disclosed this while speaking with La Xarxa.
“Messi has to overcome the sadness of poor performances and rediscover the joy, pride and passion it takes to play at a club like Barcelona.
“I’ve seen more mental fatigue than physical. It’s normal when there are a lot of games and he has many obligations.
“Maybe a couple of days rest would help him recompose his head and be the best in the world again.”
Messi has faced criticism for a lacklustre showing in Barca’s UEFA Champions League exit to La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid at the quarter-final stage last week and in a a 1-0 defeat at Granada on Saturday.
Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta leapt to Messi’s defence earlier this week, insisting that all is well with the 26-year-old despite his slump in form.