Valverde: Watching Messi Play Is A Dream

Ernesto Valverde says Messi is a spectacle to watch as a player, and believes the pressure on him should be eased.

The Barcelona talisman played another key role in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Valencia in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Messi turned provider for Suarez, flicking the ball to the far post to set up the Uruguayan.

Speaking about Messi post-match, Barca head coach Valverde told reporters: “When Messi plays the ball, everybody expects many things from him.

“Sometimes it’s too much because we have to let Messi breathe a bit.

“It’s true he is an awesome player as we have said many, many times. It’s a spectacle watching him every day.”

Barca will take a slender lead to the Mestalla and Valverde added: “I wouldn’t say the score is not that bad because I think the score is good because we won the match.

“Winning a match is really difficult and we did. Valencia didn’t score, so we have to think that 0-0 is good for us at Mestalla but we won’t go there looking to draw the match. We will go for trying to win it.”