Barcelona inspired by Super Bowl comeback – Rakitic

Barcelona’s remarkable Champions League comeback to beat Paris St Germain 6-1 at the Nou Camp and snatch a place in the quarter-finals will take some time to sink in, according to midfielder Ivan Rakitic. Trailing and wounded from a 4-0 humiliation from the opening leg of the last-16 clash in France, Luis Enrique’s men were looking to make history and also avoid their earliest exit from the competition in a decade.

Barca president predicts ‘happy ending’ on Messi contract

BARCELONA, Spain – Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says extending Lionel Messi’s contract is “essential” for the club and predicts negotiations will have “a happy ending.” Messi’s current deal ends in 2018, and Bartomeu says he has been personally leading the talks to renew the contract of “the best player in history.”

Messi scores stunning free-kick yet Barcelona lose first leg…

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona after scoring their opening goal during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 first leg match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona at San Mames Stadium on January 5, 2017 in Bilbao, Spain The defending champs have it all to do in the second leg which takes place next Wednesday at the Nou Camp. King’s Cup holders Barcelona have a fight on their hands if they are to remain in the competition after losing a fiery first leg of their last-16 tie at Athletic Club 2-1 on Thursday despite playing the final 10 minutes with a two-man advantage.