Barcelona were rather fortuitous to beat Liverpool by three goals in their Champions League semi-final first leg at Camp Nou. Luis Suarez and a Lionel Messi brace gives Barca a commanding lead going into the second leg. But that result does flatter Barcelona. Liverpool had many chances of their own and could not take them. James Milner and Mohamed Salah both had good opportunities but neither were able to take them. But Barcelona will not care as they are now almost certain to reach the final in Madrid. One man that would have enjoyed the result more than most is Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian playmaker left Liverpool for Barcelona last January after forcing through a move. But the transfer hasn't really panned out as he would have hoped. Although he enjoyed a good start, his second season has gone badly. It has got to the point where Coutinho is now being booed by his own fan for his performances. That was again the case in the Camp Nou yesterday. Coutinho was given the opportunity to start against his former side but the home crowd didn't welcome his performance. Lionel Messi was one Barca player who took exception. After scoring his first goal Messi wagged his finger to the crowd to tell Barca fans to stop booing Coutinho. He then made a clapping gesture to say they should be encouraging him instead. Watch it below: And another angle can be viewed below... Class by Messi. That's exactly how a true captain should act. Messi then took the time to criticise the Camp Now crowd for booing his teammate. "Its ugly that they whistle a team-mate like this," Messi said after the final whistle, per the Daily Mail. "We are all in this together. We have to be united to the end because we are close to are objective now." News Now - Sport News<doc-sep>Gary Lineker refuses to apologise for celebrating Lionel Messi's stunner against Liverpool If you can't celebrate greatness, what's the point in anything Lionel Messi's free-kick goal against Liverpool will go down in history as one of the all-time great Champions League strikes. From a considerably distance, Messi caressed the ball straight into the top corner. If was a moment of genius that had everyone - except Liverpool fans - off their feet in awe. Advertisement How lucky are we to live at the same time as this guy? 🐐 pic.twitter.com/qZ4TbJMZv1 — FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 1, 2019 Former England player, current BT Sport pundit and full-time Messi Stan, Gary Lineker was seen celebrating the goal with Rio Ferdinand as they watched from their TV studio up in the Gods at Camp Nou. Lineker seemed to be in utter shock, arms outstretched, jaw dropped, as he embraced Ferdinand. When you’re waiting for your takeaway and the delivery man comes around the corner. pic.twitter.com/HBjGwRHXIO — FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 2, 2019 He'd just witnessed a magician at work and could hardly contain his emotions. He also loves Barcelona after spending three years at the club in the late 1980s. Advertisement Completely understandable, right? Not according to some precious football fans who took issue with him celebrating the goal. Liverpool supporters voiced their disappointment on Twitter. He was seemingly accused of anti-Liverpool bias, with some fans saying they hoped Jurgen Klopp rejected future opportunities to be interviewed by Lineker. Next time @GaryLineker wants to interview Klopp I hope the gaffer tells him to jog on. — iDad (@TheOriginaliDad) May 1, 2019 Others were apparently disappointed by a lack of support for the English team in the tie, as if that is a normal thing that everyone should be expected to do. Advertisement Nice to see support for the British Team! — Mark Robson (@markrobson14) May 1, 2019 Others were more succinct. Pair of clowns.. — Martin (@Martinlawles13) May 1, 2019 Advertisement Pundits should try to act like they are a bit neutral, at least. But hey, who cares. We’re climbing a hill our own way after all. — HelloHelloHereWeGo 🕚 (@UnbearableRED) May 1, 2019 Lineker had no time for criticism though, tweeting: "Seem to have upset a Liverpool fans by celebrating greatness last night. Admittedly it was a bit cringe, but as a former player who loves Barcelona. I make no apologies for dancing to the diminutive Dios." Advertisement Too right, Gary. Ignore that haters.<doc-sep>
Published 12:23 PM , May 02 2019 GMT+1 | Last updated 1:06 PM , May 02 2019 GMT+1 Lionel Messi used his goal celebration to tell Barcelona fans not to boo Philippe Coutinho in a great moment of leadership. Coutinho remains subject to intense criticism from his own set of fans. Advert 10 The Brazilian midfielder has had an underwhelming campaign at Barcelona in his first full season at the club since his mega transfer in 2017. Though he started against Liverpool in the Champions League but only lasted till the hour mark. Ernesto Valverde replaced him by subbing on Nelson Semedo. Image: PA Advert 10 The Camp Nou faithful continued their harsh treatment of Coutinho who was jeered during Barcelona's victory over Liverpool. However, Messi has defended his teammate and even gestured to Barcelona supporters after scoring on Wednesday. He scored his first goal of the night in the 75th minute and immediately interacted with the Barcelona fans. 'Pitos no'. El mensaje de Messi a la afición. #ChampionsMLC pic.twitter.com/QvycsGls6E - La Casa del Fútbol en Movistar+ (@casadelfutbol) May 1, 2019 Advert 10 Messi scores his 600th goal with an incredible free kick in the Champions League semi-final, and he uses his celebration to tell the fans not to whistle their own players (Coutinho). This is what you call a CAPTAIN. https://t.co/wmvkl0f0T9 - Navid Molaaghaei (@navidjaaan) May 1, 2019 Messi also backed Coutinho in his post-match interview. "We're in a definitive moment, we're in a great moment," he said following his side's 3-0 first-leg victory. "It's not a moment to criticize anyone. We work together. It was ugly to whistle Coutinho. It doesn't matter if he's had a good game or not." Advert 10 An influential player in more ways than one. Image: PA Messi then brought up his 600th goal for Barcelona in superb fashion. He curled in a remarkable free-kick from 35 yards out to all but secure a spot in the Champions League final.