BARCELONA star Lionel Messi has reportedly told Ernesto Valverde the five games he wants to miss this season.
Messi has been in fine form for Barcelona this term, driving Valverde’s men towards the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid trailing in their wake.
However, with the World Cup in Russia looming large, Messi may now start to ease off in order to make sure he goes into the competition at the peak of his powers.
The 30-year-old missed out on winning the trophy back in 2014, firing Argentina to the final but missing out as Germany took the prize instead.
And Don Balon say Messi has told Valverde the games he wants to miss for the rest of the season.
The Barcelona star wants to play in the Copa del Rey final and feature in the rest of the games the Catalan giants play in Europe.
But when it comes to La Liga, the veteran is willing to take a breather.
Don Balon say Messi wants to miss matches against Malaga, Sevilla, Celta Vigo, Deportivo and Levante.
And Barcelona players are said to have mixed feelings about his wishes.
On one hand, they understand this year represents his final shot at winning the World Cup.
Messi is widely regarded as being the best player of all time.
But only in emulating the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona can he truly claim to hold that mantle.
Barcelona players feel Messi’s absence could cost them the title if they begin to falter.
But whether they flourish or fail without their talisman remains to be seen.
Source:www.express.co.uk