Messi's 700th Goal For Barca Is Delayed Again

JAKARTA - Ivan Rakitic appeared as Barcelona's savior in the match against Athletic Bilbao, Wednesday, June 24 in the morning. The substitute from Croatia scored Los Blaugarana's only winning goal.

Throughout the match, all eyes were on Lionel Messi chasing his 700th career goal. However, he was only able to provide an assist for Rakitic's goal in the 71st minute to push Barcelona back to the top of the standings.

In the midst of Messi's efforts to make continued history. Barcelona again failed to show their best game. Last week, they failed to reap the full points against Sevilla and Messi failed to score the long-awaited new history.

Bilbao came close to taking the lead four minutes after kick-off from a corner which was completed by Unai Lopez's sharp shot. Luckily goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was able to brush it off.

In contrast Lionel Messi almost opened Barcelona's lead with his clever shot in the 10th minute. Unfortunately, goalkeeper Unai Simon can secure the ball well.

Nine minutes into the second half, Antoine Griezmann tried to outwit Simon who came out of his nest. But the French attacker's lob shot was caught by the goalkeeper.

1 GOAL = 3 POINTS! pic.twitter.com/NSbvOU7brv

- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 23, 2020

After the break, Messi found Griezmann with a clever pass. But the former Atletico Madrid striker couldn't deliver the perfect finish.

The deadlock finally broke in the 71st minute when Rakitic, who had only been on for seven minutes, replaced Sergio Busquets. Being in a free position was not guarded to complete Messi's bait and brought Barcelona 1-0 ahead of Bilbao.

Three minutes later Luis Suarez had the opportunity to double Barcelona's lead. But Unai Nunez put his body in order to block the ball that seemed to be heading smoothly towards the goal.

Then came the time when Messi was supposed to set a new record. He had two chances but his shots were always slightly off the side of the goal. Yes, that milestone has not been stuck.

Furthermore, Barcelona will travel to Celta Vigo headquarters on Saturday.