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22.05.2009 12:19
Messi and Xavi missed out in Paris
Jordi Clos
Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernández maybe helping FC Barcelona to make history this season, but in 2006 they both missed out on an appearance in the Champions League final through injury and are relishing a second chance this term.
The team line-up from Barça's victory in Paris against Arsenal three years ago shows two key players are missing as the Argentinian was out with a muscle injury sustained in the quarter final against Chelsea that saw him miss the end of the season, while the Catalan midfielder had just recovered from damaging his cruciate ligament in his knee.
Important game
On May 27, 2009, many people are looking to
Messi, the highest scorer in the Champions League this season with right goals, and it will be a
special day for him. "I could not enjoy playing in Paris, but I have my chance now," he explained.
"Because of that, this is the most important game of my whole career."
Xavi hoping for second chance
Xavi also has bittersweet memories of the win against Arsenal: "I had
played two or three games, but did not feel good enough to play in a game at such a high level," he
explained. "Now I am feeling great and am ready to remove that thorn that I have had in my side. I
hope to participate and to help the team and the club to win the Champions League for the third
time in our history."
Iniesta helped recovery
Andres Iniesta also did not start the game against Arsenal in France as the midfielder replaced
Edmilson at half-time and helped Barça to turn around the 1-0 deficit. Now he is working hard to
shake off a muscle tear in order to be able to play in the game against Manchester United after
scoring that goal against Chelsea that put them in the final.
