[ad_1]
‘We prefer not to take risks’: Ernesto Valverde insists Lionel Messi is ‘fine’ despite not starting for Barcelona in Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid due to minor leg injury
- Lionel Messi played sub role in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey draw with Real Madrid
- Boss Ernesto Valverde confirmed it was due to leg injury but insisted he was fine
- Lucas Vazquez handed Real Madrid a lead before Malcom’s second-half leveller
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde insisted Lionel Messi‘s minor leg injury was not serious despite it forcing him to start the 1-1 Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid on the bench.
Messi was introduced to the last-four match only as a second-half substitute by Valverde.
The Argentinian was nursing a minor leg injury sustained in the 2-2 La Liga draw against Valencia last weekend.
Lionel Messi was forced to start the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid on the bench
‘Leo is fine,’ Valverde is quoted as saying by Marca. ‘We prefer not to take risks at this time of the season.
‘He had some discomfort and we decided it was for the best.’
The Argentinian did come on in the second half as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho
Valverde insisted Messi’s leg problem was not serious and will not keep him out of action
Malcolm, who deputised for Messi, impressed for the home side, netting Barcelona’s equaliser after 57 minutes.
But Valverde’s side must now score at least one goal at the Bernabeu to reach the final.
‘We have to score, so the tie is open,’ he added.
Advertisement
[ad_2]
Source link