The Blaugrana coach has insisted that the Argentina international is
raring to go ahead of the match versus Benfica as he has set his sights
on Gerd Muller's record
The match could see Messi surpass Gerd
Muller's record for goalscoring in a calendar year (85) after he took
his tally to 84 strikes for club and country in 2012 in the 5-1 win
against Athletic Bilbao, and Vilanova has explained that the Argentina
captain is raring to go.
"We have to be as natural about this as
possible. Messi has the chance to beat the record, but it will be more
difficult if we’re all focused on him. However, I think he’s used to the
pressure," Vilanova stated at a press conference.
"Leo rested last week against Alaves in the Copa del Rey but he always wants to play, and where better than in this environment.
"It’s
a Champions League match and he’s excited to play. If he’s on the
pitch, it’ll make us stronger. I'm excited for him to play and for us it
is always better."
Wednesday's encounter is scheduled to kick
off at 20:45CET at Camp Nou, with Benfica needing to equal or better the
result of Celtic in their clash with Spartak Moscow to finish second in
Group G.
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