Lionel Messi makes his 200th club appearance for Barcelona tonight as they face Valencia aiming to close the gap on Real Madrid.
Since his debut on October 16th 2004 at Espanyol, Messi has played 15,125 minutes for the Blaugrana, scoring 142 goals. At just 24 years and eight months, he will be the youngest Barca player ever to reach the 200-game mark.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admits the Argentine is a role model for all young footballers.
“With Messi, the numbers speak for themselves,” said Guardiola. “He is the most competitive player I have every met. He is an example for everyone.”
Tonight’s is the fourth meeting of the two sides this season, with the earlier league game finishing 2-2 and Barca winning the Copa del Rey semi-final 3-1 on aggregate.
Guardiola – who again claimed he had yet to decide whether to remain at the club next season – said his side need to win to keep alive their faint hopes of catching Madrid.
He said: “They made it hard for us in the cup. There is still a long way to go in the league. While a comeback is possible we will keep going.”
Suspensions for Daniel Alves and Javier Mascherano could open an opportunity for one of three young defenders Martín Montoya, Marc Bartra or Marc Muniesa.
“We always play the youth teamers but without putting them under pressure,” he added. “We put them in surrounded by great players.”
Valencia coach Unai Emery may make five changes to the side which won 1-0 at Stoke in the Europa League. Roberto Soldado returns up front, while defenders Miguel, Jordi Alba and Víctor Ruiz and captain David Albelda should also come in. Midfielder Éver Banega misses out with a knee problem.
