Ronaldo blames Messi and defends Coutinho after Barcelona’s defeat to Liverpool

Ronaldo believes Lionel Messi should take some blame for Barcelona’s Champions League exit to Liverpool and feels Philippe Coutiniho has been harshly criticized. Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League as Jurgen Klopp’s side secured a thrilling 4-0 victory at Anfield on Wednesday. Former Barcelona and Brazil striker Ronaldo has suggested that not enough focus has been placed on Messi after Barca’s crushing defeat. "It is unfair to point out culprits after a defeat,’ Ronaldo said at an event for Santander. "I see that Barcelona has a great team and has the best player in the world, which is Messi. "The other day I heard that when they lose, it’s because of Valverde, Coutinho… but not Messi. "And when they win, Barcelona win because of Messi. It’s a tremendous lack of respect to all the players and the coaching staff. "Liverpool had more motivation, intensity and desire. In the first part, Barcelona had chances to score a goal that would have changed everything. But Liverpool deserved it. They have shown strength and emotional intelligence. "In the fourth goal there was a mistake, but I think that if it had not [been scored], it would have arrived in a different way. They played the game of their lives. It’s a shame for Barcelona, because they played a great game in the first leg, we all enjoyed Messi. It’s a pity that there is not a Spaniard in the final, but Liverpool deserved it more."

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