Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba React to Barcelona's Copa del Rey Final Win vs. Sevilla

Barcelona’s Copa del Rey heroes Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have hailed the battling spirit showcased by the team after securing the trophy in Madrid on Sunday.

Goals from Alba and Neymar in extra-time, both coming via Messi assists, eventually gave the Blaugrana a 2-0 win; the Spanish champions had Javier Mascherano sent off in the first period and were on the back foot for long spells before Ever Banega was dismissed just before the end of normal time.

And Messi, who turned in another spellbinding showing in a big game, paid tribute to the fortitude on display on his Facebook page (h/t Josep Capdevila of Sport): “We fought hard, we suffered, but in the end we all won together. League Champions and now...Cup Winners!!”

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Alba also spoke about Barcelona showing a functional side to complement their fantastic attacking play.

“We couldn’t play the game we wanted but [Barca] showed 'huevos' and we did what was needed in these type of games,” he said, per Sport. “It’s always difficult with a player less, but it’s been a very good season.”

Facing a fine Sevilla side with an extra man for much of the match, Barcelona had to ride their luck, and aside from the aforementioned duo, experienced players such as Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique turned in outstanding performances.

As the Guardian’s Barney Ronay noted, it wasn’t a typical kind of game for the Blaugrana:

What was typical was the performance of Messi. So often fans marvel at his incomparable ability, creative talent and goalscoring figures. Yet what’s also so impressive is his ability to produce moments that can alter the course of matches. And not just any matches, major finals like this one.

The clash was in the balance when the Argentina man dropped a stunning pass over the Sevilla defence into the path of Alba, who scrambled home from a tight angle. There would have been some nervy final moments to see out had Messi not threaded a ball through to Neymar late in extra time, too.

Here’s a look at what ultimately proved to be the decisive goal in the game:

For Barcelona, getting over the line in this one was vital. The league title is something to be celebrated and, given the way in which the team recovered from a slump to retain it, a triumph that’ll be remembered fondly. But with the talent in this group, there’s a sense that the domestic double may not be enough in this campaign.

Indeed, Alba hinted there is some disappointment at the fact Barcelona will not be defending their UEFA Champions League crown this season, too.

“We play for three titles every season, and this year we managed to get two,” said the left-back “Let’s hope we don’t stop [winning titles]!”

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Spanish football journalist Rafael Hernandez was effusive in his praise for this Barcelona team:

It was another night when the Blaugrana’s key men stood up and made themselves counted. Having a spine consisting of Pique, Iniesta and Messi in these kinds of contests is such a huge asset to manager Luis Enrique, with all three showing they have a winning edge to accompany their stellar ability.

Messi epitomises that blend. So often players of his style can go missing amid a frantic, ferocious game like Sunday’s, especially when the team has its back to the wall. But once again he helped swing the tie with his inventiveness, and it’s moments like these that add clout to the claim the 28-year-old is the finest footballer we’ve ever seen.