Inter Coach Luciano Spalletti is hopeful Lionel Messi does not play for Barcelona against his side on Tuesday night.
The Argentine has travelled with the Blaugrana’s squad for the match in Milan, despite not being given the all-clear on medical grounds.
“I am hopeful that he does not play,” Spalletti responded when asked about Messi’s availability, as cited by Diario AS.
“He turns Barcelona into a spectacular attacking force when he is playing for them, so we would prefer that he is not playing.
“Their style of play? They have had the same ideals for years, retaining possession and that is a template they have signed players based on for many seasons.
“Some players might excel in that environment but struggle to adapt elsewhere, but there is no question over what their approach will continue to be.
“Last month’s game? Their warm-up was strange, they came out ten minutes before the game, and there was not a gym inside the stadium to do any exercises in.
“Some of my players said their players were picking up their children from school before the game too.
“If we built up to matches like that, we would lose 18-0!”
