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‘Spectacular’ Lionel Messi needs room to breathe, says Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says Lionel Messi ‘needs room to breathe’ after he helped his side to a 1-0 win over Valencia in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

Messi set up Luis Suarez to head home the only goal of the game in the second half, which gives the team a slim advantage ahead of the second leg at Mestalla.

Speaking after the game Valverde spoke about Messi and the huge expectations that are always placed upon his shoulders

“What happens with Messi is that every time he gets the ball, you expect him to do something,” he said.