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John Toshack: 'Unfair to blame Lionel Messi'

Former Wales international John Toshack defends under-fire Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

Former Wales international John Toshack has defended under-fire Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

The Argentine has come under criticism in recent weeks following Barcelona's elimination from the Champions League and Copa del Rey final defeat against Real Madrid.

However, Toshack has insisted that Messi is not to blame for the Catalan outfit's troubles, which have also seen them fall seven points behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid, albeit with a game in hand.

"It's cruel to blame Messi. You can't put the blame on him. Messi's at a high level but more is always expected from him," Toshack told La Xarxa.

Toshack has managerial experience in Spain having previously been in charge at both Real Sociedad and Real Madrid.

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid29226164204472
2Barcelona29197360342664
3GironaGirona29195559342562
4Athletic Bilbao29168550262456
5Atletico MadridAtletico29174854342055
6Real Sociedad291210742311146
7Real BetisBetis29101273433142
8Valencia28117103232040
9Villarreal29108114751-438
10Getafe2991193742-538
11Las PalmasLas Palmas29107122932-337
12Osasuna29106133343-1036
13AlavesAlaves2988132635-932
14Mallorca29612112535-1030
15Rayo Vallecano29611122538-1329
16Sevilla29610133644-828
17Celta Vigo2969143244-1227
18CadizCadiz29313132040-2022
19Granada2828183058-2814
20Almeria29110182857-2913


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