Cesc Fabregas has revealed the fear he felt for Lionel Messi, his Argentine colleague’s hopes of playing on Sunday, and of who he is eyeing in the Last 16.
Messi picked up a bruised knee in the closing stages of Barcelona’s 0-0 draw with Benfica on Wednesday night, but drew concern initially when he was stretchered off.
“Knowing him, Leo will want to play on Sunday. Today, in the dressing room he was wondering if he could play. For us and for the world of football it is a joy that he is well,” the midfielder told reporters today at a promotional event.
“We got scared a little, because he is a player who rarely goes down, but thank God that it is nothing.
“He is a cornerstone of this team and a player who is very important to Barcelona, one of the most important.”
The midfielder was asked of Barca’s progression into the knockout stages of the Champions League and specifically who he would prefer to play against.
“I think at this stage of the competition, all teams are difficult, but I would be thrilled, for love and affinity, if I could face Arsenal back in London and face all the people that I have played with for so many years. it would be a very special tie for me.”
