Sunday 29 April 2018 23:48, UK
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde praised the consistency of his title-winning side while acknowledging they have "lacked brilliance" at times.
It also completed a domestic double after the Copa del Rey success last weekend but the impact of Barca's shock Champions League loss to Roma continues to linger.
Valverde said: "When you chase it all season, you say 'finally'. The league is very long. It is not decided only in a match. From the beginning, we have been in the lead. In the end, we were the best. The hard part is winning and winning.
"I have not invented anything, in the end these players have already won titles and leagues with other coaches. It's more of them than the coach.
"We have been a competitive, compact team and we have overcome many difficulties, and in moments I know it has lacked brilliance."
It has been an emotional week for veteran playmaker Andres Iniesta, who came off the bench for the final moments once Messi had secured victory to soak it all in. The 33-year-old will leave the club he first joined at the age of 12 at the end of the season.
After winning his ninth league title, he said: "The team deserved it, with a good advantage over the second [team]. Each competition has its difficulty and its value and that is what we have to stay with. Great season and next year to try to improve what has not been done well.
"They are really indescribable sensations on a personal level and as an athlete when you receive so much affection from people. I have tried to be a good athlete and a great person, surrounding myself with unique people."
