Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes says the possible return of Lionel Messi to Barcelona's side for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg in Germany does not worry him. The Argentine wizard has not played since coming off the substitutes' bench to help Barcelona overcome Paris St-Germain on away goals in the quarter-finals. "Barca are about more than just Messi," Heynckes said.
Messi has scored eight goals in this season's Champions League and last month he became the first player in Spanish football history to score against every other team in the top flight consecutively. Messi has not played in either of Barcelona's two league games since they defeated Paris St-Germain but assistant manager Jordi Roura said that Messi has travelled to Germany with the team and could now play.
Barcelona are looking to win the Champions League for the third time in five seasons, while Bayern Munich determined to reach their third final in four seasons "I expect he will be able to play and it is not something which is causing me a headache," added Heynckes.
Heynckes insists he has not sought the advice from ex-Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who will replace him in the Bayern dugout this summer. "I admire Pep Guardiola, but I don't need any advice from other coaches," he said. "I know my team better than anybody and I also know a lot about Spanish football and Barcelona."
Jordi Roura says he will wait until the day of the match before deciding whether to play Messi or not. "Messi has been feeling pretty good, but we'll wait until Tuesday to see if he can play," he said. Barcelona's iconic midfielder Xavi claimed that winning La Liga was more important than the Champions League. Barcelona are currently 13 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of their domestic league with just six games remaining.
"La Liga is the most important title for us, but the Champions League also motivates us," said Xavi. "We want to show the very best of ourselves against Bayern. I think this tie is at 50/50, but we will try to play our style. It's important score an away goal, it's vital."
If you fancy a bet on tonight's clash of the titans in Munich, here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Bayern win - 6/5
Draw - 13/5
Barcelona win - 12/5
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