The question has been on everyone’s lips for the last few weeks now especially as we’ve seen Leo Messi training. But seriously, should Barcelona risk their most valued asset on a game of football for 90 minutes? Ok, it’s no ordinary football match and I hear you you fans stating the obvious that it’s a Clasico match and he has to play no matter what.
Should he be risked though? In my opinion, if Messi is not 100% fit, no way should he step foot on the pitch. Also, Barça should realise that although having the great man on the pitch is good for morale and makes the rest of the team play better, the bigger picture is Messi having a relapse and being out for a longer spell.
Barcelona cannot afford having Messi out for a longer period than is necessary and if that means benching him on Saturday because he isn’t 100% fit or is not quite ready, then so be it.
We would all love to see the great man make his comeback against Real Madrid and maybe score but let’s get real. If players are forced back whether by their own doing or the clubs’, it could all end in tears for both parties.
From the 30 games Messi has played against Real Madrid, the Argentine has netted some 21 goals for Barça. Personally I’d like to see the little man rack up a few more against the Merengues especially as tomorrow marks 10 years since the Argentine first played against them. Barça won that game 3-0 and Messi was credited with 2 assists. He nearly put the icing on the cake but his cheeky chip was disallowed for being just offside.
Messi, now 28, is the highest scorer ever in the ‘Clásico’ matches. He has bagged a majestic total of 21 goals from the 30 games he has played in against Real Madrid, outshooting CR7 and the late, great great Alfredo Di Stéfano himself.
