Lionel Messi penalty: Barcelona goal makes Johan Cruyff 'very happy'

Rather than shooting from the spot-kick, Messi ‘passed’ the ball to Suarez to fire in the Catalan club’s fourth goal

Barcelona forwards Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez (Getty Images)

Barcelona great Johan Cruyff had admitted he was delighted by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s penalty trick during the 6-1 demolition of Celta Vigo on Sunday night.

Rather than shooting from the spot-kick, Messi ‘passed’ the ball to his Barca team-mate to fire in the Catalan club’s fourth of a memorable night.

While most supporters reminisced about Thierry Henry and Robert Pires’s failed attempt in 2005, for Arsenal against Manchester City, older viewers were reminded of Cruyff’s 1982 Ajax trick with Jesper Olsen.

The Dutchman, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer, said: “It made me very happy what Messi did. I don't know if he saw [Cruyff's own] move, maybe he did, but if anyone can do anything like that, it is him.

“Then I saw people were talking about my penalty. It makes you happy for people to remember you after so many years. It's lovely -- the things football gives you.

“How could it be a lack of respect? In that time, nobody thought about such a thing. This is football -- something different, entertaining, that's what football is -- a game, a pastime.

“What Messi did was to enjoy himself, and for the fans to enjoy themselves. The lack of respect is not recognising that Celta played a great game, and it was a tough game for Barca.”