Lionel Messi Will 'Back' Pedro's Manchester United Transfer, Hails Barcelona Win

Following Barcelona's dramatic UEFA Super Cup win over Sevilla on Tuesday, Lionel Messi has said that he and the rest of the Barca squad would "back" Pedro if he should join Manchester United.

The Blaugrana ran out 5-4 victors in a pulsating match, with the Spaniard netting the winning goal deep into extra time:

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5-4 Pedro Stunning Winning Goal | Barcelona v. Sevilla - UEFA Super Cup 11.08.2015 HD http://t.co/sgtrx1Otyy

— SoccerHub365 (@SoccerHub365) August 11, 2015"

After much speculation surrounding the forward's future, Spanish football expert Sid Lowe noted how appropriate it was for the 28-year-old to decide the match:

According to ESPN.co.uk, Messi said of his team-mate:

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I'm thrilled that Pedro was the one to get the winning goal.

Personally I don't know what his decision will be but we're all with him and we'll back him. We want the best for him given what he's given the club—he deserves the best.

I don't know what he'll decide but whatever he'll have our support.

"

Finding himself behind the Argentinian in Barcelona's pecking order, not to mention Luis Suarez and Neymar, Pedro has struggled for consistent minutes on the pitch.

Jonas Giaever believes the match represents a fitting end to his Barcelona career, as well as demonstrating his need to move on:

As the 2016 European Championship looms on the horizon, United represent an excellent opportunity not just for first-team football but for Pedro to establish himself as a true star.

After 11 successful years at the club, the Spaniard is clearly a popular figure in the dressing room at the Camp Nou and knowing he has his team-mates' support could increase the likelihood that he will depart.

Messi, who scored two free-kicks in nine minutes, also expressed his delight with Barcelona's win—their first silverware of the season and fourth trophy in 2015. He said: 

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I've just been lucky enough to score those and I'm very happy the team won and very grateful to everyone for their support and such a warm welcome.

The key thing is to win and to win as many trophies as possible. Winning today was significant because of what the Super Cup represents in terms of starting the season on the right foot, so we're delighted. All trophies are great.

"

The Blaugrana will have an excellent chance of acquiring another piece of silverware before the start of the La Liga season when they take on Athletic Bilbao over two legs in the Spanish Super Cup.

The fact that Barca were 4-1 up only to finish 90 minutes on 4-4 will be a concern for manager Luis Enrique, and he will need to ensure his side tighten up at the back heading into the new season.

Nevertheless, with the Super Cup being played over two legs, it seems inevitable that Barcelona will come out ahead.

Increasingly, it seems as though they will have to do so without Pedro.