Real Betis manager Rubi has joked that he hopes Lionel Messi comes down with a cold before making his expected return to action on Sunday.
Messi missed Bacelona's opening La Liga game against Athletic Bilbao due to a calf issue.
Barcelona fell to a 1-0 defeat after a last minute stunner from 38 year-old Aritz Aduriz.
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The Argentine is set to return to the fold this weekend after a full week of training so he is likely to take some part against Betis this weekend,
Rubi has accepted that the diminutive forward could feature against his side, but is hoping for an unconventional way of getting him out of the game.
"I think Messi is going to play from the start. It's what I think," Rubi said per Goal.
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"I'd prefer Messi to have a cold, not an injury, but a cold so he cannot play.
"We have to go with a point of courage but knowing that any player they put out will be good.
"If you go with excessive respect you are losing 1-0. You have to be brave but not commit nonsense, because they will take advantage of that."
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Messi already has fond memories of facing 'The Lilly Whites' this year.
.Back in March he netted a hat-trick as Barcelona won 4-1 at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
Despite this, the main talking point was Messi's third goal to complete his hat-trick.
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The 31-year-old started the attack by passing the ball to Ivan Rakitic. The Croatian midfielder then set-up Messi who chipped keeper Pau Lopez from inside the box.
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Following on from the match, Barça boss Ernesto Valverde praised the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's performance and the warm reception that he received from the Béticos supporters.
"Our opponents suffer because of Messi, but they also enjoy him," he said (via Marca).
"His match tonight was extraordinary, he's scored three goals and also made a fourth.
The public has recognised his talent, they are enjoying seeing him in his prime and they respect him for the player he is."
You wonder if Rubi's comments have motivated Messi ahead of tomorrows game.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Barcelona, Messi, Lionel Messi, La Liga
