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Addition by subtraction? Messi explains how losing Neymar has helped Barcelona

The Argentine believes Barcelona – unbeaten and 11 points clear atop La Liga – has a more stable team since losing the Brazilian to PSG

Is it possible that the loss of Neymar actually helped Barcelona improve?

Lionel Messi seems to think so.

Barca lost Neymar in the off-season after French giants Paris Saint-Germain sensationally activated his €222million release clause in August.

Neymar was a key member of Barca's famed 'MSN' forward trio, alongside Messi and Luis Suarez, helping the club to two La Liga titles and the Champions League among other honours.

But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said Barca – unbeaten and 11 points clear atop the table – are better without the Brazil star.