Lionel Messi prepares to lead Barcelona out against ValenciaBarcelona take on their bitter rivals Real Madrid at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie. However, according to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will play in Wednesday's eagerly-anticipated game. “Messi is in the Barcelona squad for the Copa del Rey Clasico,” Balague tweeted on Tuesday night. He added: "Within the club, relevant people felt there was no need to force Lionel Messi (second most used player in La Liga after Valencia’s [Dani] Parejo) for the cup game. Lionel Messi will play against Real Madrid on Wednesday, according to Guillem BalagueLionel Messi is said to have gone against doctor's orders to play against Real Madrid

Source: Express February 05, 2019 20:48 UTC