BARCELONA
Cruyff "thrilled" by Messi and Suárez's two-man penalty
The Barça legend's reaction to the spot-kick was revealed by Televisió de Catalunya chief Tatxo Benet, a personal friend of the Dutchman.
Barcelona great Johan Cruyff was "thrilled" by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez's two-man penalty in Los Azulgranas' 6-1 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday, according to close friend Tatxo Benet.
Benet, who is head of the broadcaster Televisió de Catalunya, took to his Twitter account on Monday to describe Cruyff's reaction to the spot-kick, revealing that he watched it live on television.
The goal has captured sporting headlines across the globe and has in a number of quarters been interpreted as a touching, direct tribute to the Dutchman, who is currently fighting lung cancer.
Cruyff, who enjoyed success both as a Barça player and as coach of the Camp Nou outfit, scored a similar penalty with Ajax in 1982, playing his kick to team-mate Jesper Olsen before netting the Dane's return pass.
The 68-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, and has kept a lower media profile since making his illness public.
This weekend, however, he released a statement explaining that his treatment has so far brought "very positive" results, adding: "Right now, I have the feeling that I am 2-0 up in the first half of a match that has not finished yet. But I am sure that I will end up winning."
Whether or not it was a meant as a gesture to Cruyff, Messi's moment of magic is sure to have given the Dutch legend strength in his battle.