He was India captain Rohit Sharma's opening partner in the home T20 series against Afghanistan earlier this year but his place looked under threat as he struggled for runs in the IPL
Barcelona get past Osasuna with help of two Messi assists
Lionel Messi provided two assists as Barcelona overcame a difficult trip to Osasuna on Saturday to win 2-0 and move to within two points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
Published : 6 March 2021, 10:09 PM
Updated : 6 March 2021, 10:09 PM
Messi helped Barca take the lead on the half-hour mark when he carved open Osasuna's defence with a superb cross-field ball to Jordi Alba, who controlled before blasting into the roof of the net.
He then laid the ball off when 18-year-old midfielder Ilaix Moriba struck in the 83rd minute, producing a confident finish inside the post from outside the area to score his first goal for the club in only his third league appearance.
Barca stay second but moved on to 56 points after 26 games, two points behind Atletico Madrid who have played 24 matches and host third-placed Real Madrid on Sunday. Osasuna are 13th on 28.
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The match also witnessed three red cards in stoppage time, with Milan being reduced to nine men as tensions flared
Barcelona, with 70 points after 32 matches, trail leaders Real by 11 points Reuters
The result leaves second-placed Barca 11 points adrift of the leaders with six games remaining
