Barcelona’s hopes of securing a historic treble were heartbreakingly dashed following a dramatic 4–3 aggregate loss to Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Despite a determined display from the Spanish giants, crucial defensive mistakes at key moments proved costly, ultimately denying them a coveted spot in the final. In the aftermath of the defeat, club icon Lionel Messi reportedly placed much of the responsibility on one of his former teammates.
According to several reports, Messi pointed fingers at Ronald Araujo for his role in Barcelona’s collapse. Expressing his frustration, Messi allegedly remarked that Araujo had effectively ruined Barcelona’s season.
He claimed to have previously warned both the player and the coaching staff about Araujo’s vulnerabilities in high-pressure games. Messi further criticized head coach Hansi Flick for trusting Araujo in such a crucial encounter, while opting to leave a more experienced and reliable defender on the bench.
The incident that drew the most attention came in the latter stages of the match when Araujo was brought on as a substitute for Iñigo Martínez. Unfortunately for Barcelona, Araujo struggled to cope with the intensity and pressure of the game. His defensive errors during stoppage time and the early minutes of extra time contributed directly to two goals for Inter Milan, which sealed Barcelona’s fate and ended their European campaign.
Messi also took issue with Flick’s overall tactical approach, particularly his decision to sideline Andreas Christensen, a defender who had shown consistent form in previous matches.
Messi expressed that Christensen would have been a better fit for the game, providing much-needed stability and composure to Barcelona’s backline. The Argentine legend’s remarks have since ignited heated discussions among fans, analysts, and football insiders alike, many of whom have questioned Flick’s judgment during such a pivotal contest.
The painful elimination has cast a shadow over what had been a promising season for Barcelona, forcing the club to confront difficult questions about its squad choices and managerial decisions.
As the dust settles, the club is expected to embark on serious reflection and possible restructuring ahead of the next campaign. With both fans and critics calling for change, Barcelona’s future strategy — both on and off the pitch — will be closely watched in the months to come.
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