Lionel Messi says Barcelona are determined to make up for last season’s near misses. The Catalan giants lost out to arch rivals Real Madrid in La Liga, and were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the semi-final stage to eventual champions Chelsea.

Despite securing the Copa del Rey, Messi felt both he and his Barca teammates could have done better. Messi has also lent his support to Tito Vilanova, who’s stepped up from his assistant role last season to succeed Pep Guardiola as head coach. The Argentine star knows Vilanova well, having worked with him in the club’s youth academy a decade ago.

Messi will be able to focus fully on Barcelona’s pre-season preparations after the national side failed to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. That came as a shock to many, with the two-time defending champions unable to compete for a third straight gold medal.

Argentina’s loss will be Barcelona’s gain though, with Messi able to focus his attentions on the upcoming season in Spain. Barca begin their pre-season friendly campaign away to Hamburg on July 24.

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