Valverde: We always planned to play Messi against Sevilla

Ernesto Valverde has been talking about Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla and said the plan was always to play Lionel Messi.

The Argentine started on the bench after missing Argentina’s friendlies during the international break with a hamstring tweak.

However, he arrived in the second half with Barcelona 2-0 down and helped inspire a dramatic comeback as Barcelona secured a 2-2 draw with two late goals.

“It’s true that Messi has an injury niggle, however I had always planned for him to play some part,” he said.

”He has been absent and needed to play. Every time he touches the ball he’s decisive.

”With and without Messi the team is different.”

Source | Marca

It was a far from impressive performance from Barcelona and they will be hoping Messi and Sergio Busquets are fit to start Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Roma.