Valverde: Messi Will Not Be Rested

Ernesto Valverde has stated that Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi will not be rested regardless of the amount of matches he has played.

The Argentina forward has played in all 11 of Barcelona’s matches this season and has played for Argentina in all their qualifying games.

Messi was instrumental in Argentina qualifying for the World Cup, scoring all three goals as Argentina beat Ecuador 3-1. Despite his busy schedule, Valverde says he will not be rested.

“Messi had his pre-season which was normal – sometimes the players come off World Cups and other tournaments,” Valverde explained at his pre-match media conference.

“There are players who come late to the pre-season, but for him it was normal in that respect.

“I think he is strong at the moment and we through it was important for him to help us early on this season.

“We will look at it as the season goes on, but for now it is good idea for us that he keeps playing.”

“His perpetual competitiveness [impresses me most],” said Valverde.

“You know that he can resolve any game. He is the best player in the world, he knows that, and it is tough to carry that weight on your shoulders every day.

“It is not just one day, it’s today, tomorrow, the next day – it is an unbelievable level of competitiveness he has.”