Watch: Pedri scores brilliant Lionel Messi-esque goal for Barcelona
Barcelona teenager Pedri enhanced his burgeoning reputation by scoring a brilliant goal against Galatasaray in the Europa League.
Pedri joined Barcelona from Las Palmas in 2020and enjoyed a brilliant debut season, registering four goals and six assists in 52 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder also struck up a brilliant partnership with Lionel Messi and clearly enjoyed playing alongside one of his childhood heroes.
“I’ve said lots of times, when I was young, I supported Barca, and I dreamt of doing what I am doing now,” Pedri told LaLiga World in April 2021.
“I just try and forget that I’m playing alongside Leo, or [Sergio] Busquets, or any of the other incredible players in this team. I just try and forget about all that and imagine I’m playing in the playground back home. That really helps me to enjoy myself more.
“It’s really unbelievable but although you’ve seen Leo Messi on the telly and live in action he still knocks you out with what he does in training sessions. I enjoy every day with him and I try to learn as much as I can from him.”
Messi had to leave Barcelona at the end of the 2020-21 season after his contract expired but Pedri has continued to shine in 2021-22.
The Spain international made his 17th appearance of the season in the Europa League last-16 second leg against Galatasaray but could do nothing to prevent Marcao from giving the Turkish side the lead.
Pedri then showed what he’d learned from Messi by scoring a brilliant equaliser in the 37th minute. After being picked out by Ferran Torres, he sent two defenders to the shops with some great skill before cooly firing past the goalkeeper.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted the winner at the start of the second half and Barcelona have now booked their place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
The build-up is vintage Barca 👌
The finish is ice-cool from Pedri 🥶
Great goal, Xavi's reaction says it all!#UEL pic.twitter.com/4ainauE71t
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2022
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