Lionel Messi is hoping to score his first goal from open play against Italian opposition when Barcelona face Milan next week.
The Argentine has scored three goals in nine games against Serie A sides, but all three were penalties in ties against the Diavolo.
Lionel Messi is hoping to score his first goal from open play against Italian opposition when Barcelona face Milan next week.
The Argentine has scored three goals in nine games against Serie A sides, but all three were penalties in ties against the Diavolo.
“Italian teams are very well organised and they leave no spaces in defence,” he commented. “Hopefully next Tuesday is the day I can score my first goal from open play against the Italians.”
Barca will need Messi at his best given that they have a 2-0 first leg deficit to overcome in their Champions League last 16 encounter.
“If we concede a goal then it will be much more complicated, but we will have our chances to get through the round,” the 25-year-old added.
“We have the perfect time to now change things,” he said in the aftermath of his club’s three defeats from their last four matches.
“The desire is there to improve every day and to want more, as it is with the rest of the dressing room, we will continue to always compete in the same manner.
“We need a little more of everything and we are aware of that. We are coming off the back of major defeats and we should all give more of ourselves so as to change the situation.
“I know that the match against Milan will be key to making a good change,” he underlined.
“I hope we can do it. We all do. It will be difficult, but it is possible. What we could not do over there in Italy, we can do here.”