Quique Setién urges Barcelona to rest Lionel Messi against Real Betis | OneFootball

Real Betis boss Quique Setién has urged Barcelona not to risk Lionel Messi for their upcoming LaLiga clash this weekend.

The Verdiblancos travel to Camp Nou on Sunday looking for the three points that would take them into the top half for the first time this term.

However they could be up against a returning Messi, who is in line to make his Blaugrana comeback following a fractured arm last month.

But the Betis boss, with his tongue firmly in his cheek, has urged coach Ernesto Valverde to give the Ballon d’Or winner a longer rest.

“I think Messi should wait, I wouldn’t risk him,” Setien said in an interview with Esports RAC1.

“There’s the international break after this game and he’ll have two more weeks.

“Any fall could provoke a serious problem that might have important consequences.

“They’re doing well and there’s not a need to take risks.

“That said, I do like to see him on the pitch as he’s a joy to watch.”