|
|
Messi Confident Barcelona Can Beat Inter Without Him
The Argentinian has not been ruled out of the Group F game.
Nov 23, 2009 1:59:59 AM
Barcelona star Lionel Messi has insisted that his team can beat Inter with or without him being in the team. The two sides meet at Camp Nou on Tuesday night with the Blaugrana possibly needing a victory to keep their defense of their UEFA Champions League title alive.
The Argentinian has not been ruled out of the game after scans on the groin injury suffered in the draw with Athletic Bilbao showed that it was not as serious as first feared.
The medical report said that he has suffered a Grade 1 strain of his left groin and may be available to play in the crucial Group F game. Coach Pep Guardiola has a big decision on his hands now with the important league tie against Real Madrid following this crucial Champions League game, but Messi believes they can succeed in his absence.
"We will move forward, it is unfortunate that this happens now because I always dream of playing these big games, if I do not, nothing happens because we are a winning team and we will succeed as is," Messi told El Mundo Deportivo.
"Whoever we have on the pitch we must not forget that we are Barca and we have a great team."
Paul Madden, Goal.com
Talk all things soccer with the rest of our readers in the Goal.com Forums
The Argentinian has not been ruled out of the game after scans on the groin injury suffered in the draw with Athletic Bilbao showed that it was not as serious as first feared.
The medical report said that he has suffered a Grade 1 strain of his left groin and may be available to play in the crucial Group F game. Coach Pep Guardiola has a big decision on his hands now with the important league tie against Real Madrid following this crucial Champions League game, but Messi believes they can succeed in his absence.
"We will move forward, it is unfortunate that this happens now because I always dream of playing these big games, if I do not, nothing happens because we are a winning team and we will succeed as is," Messi told El Mundo Deportivo.
"Whoever we have on the pitch we must not forget that we are Barca and we have a great team."
Paul Madden, Goal.com
Talk all things soccer with the rest of our readers in the Goal.com Forums
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.