The Argentine forward has urged his team to improve ahead of Tuesday's El Clasico if they want to beat Real Madrid. After the 2-1 win over Sevilla on Saturday night, assistant coach Jordi Roura also praised the improved form of striker David Villa who has just recently returned from a broken leg.
Messi wants Barcelona to improve ahead of El Clasico
"We knew it would be a difficult game, more so after the result against Milan. But we won, and that's the main thing," Messi said after the Camp Nou victory. "I feel good, and like to play. Now we must play like we always do in the cup game against Madrid. We won't be able to count on a 0-0 draw."
Messi was accused of insulting Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka after the first leg of the Copa Del Rey, but he insists he is not bothered by the accusations.
Messi scored the winning goal against Sevilla on Saturday
"Knowing where they come from, I don't care too much about it," he added, abruptly.
Jordi Roura, Barcelonas stand-in coach, praised David Villa who initiated the turnaround against Sevilla after the visitors took the lead a few minutes before the break.
"We've always said that Villa is a key player for us," Roura told reporters. "He consistently shows it. He scores easily and that's very important.
"At half time, I asked the players to stay calm and not to hurry. Alexis [Sanchez] got a serious knock, so [Cristian] Tello came on earlier and added a lot, creating space for others. Of course we're worried about conceding goals. We try to improve that, just like we try to improve other things."
Barcelona face Real Madrid on Tuesday at the Nou Camp in the return leg of the Copa Del Rey.
