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Barcelona's Javier Mascherano has told ESPN that Lionel Messi has evolved to become a "complete player" in recent times. Messi won four consecutive Ballon d'Or trophies between 2009 and 2012, when then-Barca boss Pep Guardiola had used him predominantly as a central attacker, focused primarily on finishing off moves, albeit with freedom to roam around the front-line. The 27-year-old has returned to his best form in recent months under Luis Enrique, playing on the right of the attack in a role that often sees him in a deeper position, creating chances for attacking partners Luis Suarez and Neymar, while also scoring 54 goals in all competitions to date this season. Mascherano told ESPN Deportes radio that this positional switch meant fellow Argentina international Messi was now able to take "full control" of games. "What is happening with Messi is the same as with all players," Mascherano said. "As you grow older, you feel more mature. "Messi has evolved to become a complete player. Not just a goal scorer, he has also become a midfielder, an 'assister,' in full control of the play. Messi has evolved in this way and he surprises us every day with how he can improve." He added: "With Guardiola, Messi was a finisher because the creators were Xavi [Hernandez], [Andres] Iniesta and [Sergio] Busquets. Now, having Suarez and Neymar, Messi can control more, and that is something which is very good for us. The present of Barcelona has a very high percentage of the present of Messi." Despite Messi's reinvention, and Barca remaining on course to add the Copa del Rey and Champions League to their La Liga success, doubts remain as to whether coach Luis Enrique will stay at the Camp Nou beyond the summer. Asked about Luis Enrique's future, Mascherano said: "Barcelona is a club always surrounded by rumours, and where there is never peace. "There are always debates starting. We have been like this all season, and have known how to focus on the games. We are relaxed and really appreciate that the coach gave us the chance to be La Liga champions." Mascherano, who started his career at Argentine club River Plate, was also asked about last week's incident when River players were targeted with pepper spray during a Copa Libertadores game against arch-rivals Boca Juniors, which led to Boca being expelled from the competition. "My reaction to Boca-River is enormous sadness," he said. "Not for one team, or for the sport, but for the country. Football reflects the culture of a country, the current situation of a country, and reflects how we are. "Argentine football is nice for its passion and because it shows us ourselves. But for many years now we have situations like this, that show us that we are violent, without any patience. It is sad to see my country like this, and I do not like that these things happen."
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