All eyes are set on Messi
All eyes of the world of football will be placed on the Barcelona-Valencia tonight, with Leo Messi as the main focus, as veteran technical champions of the Copa del Rey have sidelined him as the differential factor.
The grand final of Copa del Rey that will see Valencia and Barcelona meet in the Benito Villamarín stadium is sure to grab the attention of all football fans on Saturday 25 May.
It should be a duel of strong teams, but despite the equality and the renown of both sets, the performance of a single man could make or break the game: Lionel Messi.
The Argentinian, once again, may be the differential factor that awards a new trophy to Barcelona. At least that is the opinion of many coaches who know what it is to achieve a Copa del Rey trophy win.
"Barça are favourites, although Valencia are very strong. The absence of Luis Suarez may weigh in the duel, but there is always Messi to finish it off, " said Victor Muñoz to Marca.
"If the 'little one' (Messi) gets angry, he can decide the final's result. If he's up for it it's a great advantage for Barcelona", said the mythical Javier Irureta, champion with Dépor.
Other managers like Gregorio Manzano or Javier Clemente, besides talking about Messi, also noted Luis Suarez' absence as Victor Muñoz highlighted. And the managers are not wrong, as the Uruguayan's absence could prove differential.
"Suarez is very important. Always opens spaces to Messi," said Manzano. "It is normal to notice the loss of Luis Suarez for his work, style of play and character, but Barça will always be Messi," said Clemente.