Greece international Kostas Manolas has claimed Napoli must stop Lionel Messi ‘as a team’ when the Partenopei travel to Barcelona on Saturday.

The former Roma defender was on the scoresheet when the Giallorossi famously eliminated the Blaugrana from the competition in 2017-18, and he revealed Francesco Totti encouraged him to do it again.

“I met Totti and he told me: ‘Courage Kostas, try again’,” Manolas told La Repubblica.

Greece international Kostas Manolas has claimed Napoli must stop Lionel Messi ‘as a team’ when the Partenopei travel to Barcelona on Saturday.

The former Roma defender was on the scoresheet when the Giallorossi famously eliminated the Blaugrana from the competition in 2017-18, and he revealed Francesco Totti encouraged him to do it again.

“I met Totti and he told me: ‘Courage Kostas, try again’,” Manolas told La Repubblica.

And the former defender believes it’s possible to stop the Argentine talisman in Catalonia this weekend.

“You stop Messi as a team, without fearing his talent,” the 29-year-old added. “In my opinion, he’s the best in the world.

“For his quality and football intelligence.”

Napoli have some injury worries ahead of the tie and Manolas hopes to see Lorenzo Insigne back in time, before he confirmed he was ready to play.

“The pressure is all on them,” he said. “I hope Insigne recovers.

“I’m fine, the pain in my ribs has passed.”

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