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8/27/2016

Lionel Messi suggests two attributes teams always expect from Celtic

Barcelona's Lionel Messi in action with Celtic's Scott Brown
Lionel Messi has told the Daily Record that no matter how many changes have been made to Celtic's squad over the years, opposition teams must always expect the Hoops to show plenty of spirit and desire.
Messi's Barcelona side have been drawn alongside Brendan Rodgers' men in the group-stages of the Champions League after the Bhoys just managed to see off Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the play-off round this week.
Brendan Rodgers celebrates
And while Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach's inclusion arguably makes Group C this year's 'Group of Death', Messi has explained why Barca have enough experience to know that it would be wrong to take the Scottish Premiership side lightly.
"Celtic are a team we have got to know well in Europe and after seasons without Champions League football they will have a point to prove," he told the Record.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi
"Their team is very different to the ones that we have played in the past. A lot of players have left and they have many new ones, but what won't have changed is their spirit and desire."
Though Luis Enrique's side's recent record against the Hoops suggests that it will be incredibly difficult for Rodgers' men to get anything from their two games against the Catalan giants - Barca have won five of their last six competitive meetings, winning the most recent 6-1 - the Northern Irishman may be looking to evoke memories of the night Neil Lennon's men claimed a 2-1 win. 
The significance of the victory arguably eclipsed any win that has been secured at Parkhead in recent years, and Rodgers will surely be telling his players that a win this time around will automatically make the squad cult-heroes amongst the supporters.
Celtic huddle up before the game

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