Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez has said he expects superstar Lionel Messi will be fit for Tuesday's Champions League semifinal, first leg at Bayern Munich, despite the Argentine labouring with a hamstring injury.
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The 26-year-old Messi missed Saturday's win against Levante and has missed the last fortnight for the Spanish league champions-elect since coming on to help inspire his side in their 1-1 quarterfinal second- leg draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
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Barcelona went through on away goals, after a 2-2 draw in Paris, but looked in real trouble until the former World Player of the Year gave them a lift and now Xavi is confident Messi will start at the Allianz Arena.
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"He's very important for our attack and you could see we missed him in our last few games," said the 33- year-old Xavi.
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"I am sure he will be at his best so we can again see what an awesome player he is.
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"It's important to have him in our ranks and it will have an influence on Bayern Munich if he plays."
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With Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova still recovering from cancer surgery, assistant coach Jordi Roura spoke to the press and said the backroom staff are working hard to get Messi fit.
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"He has a good feeling, he's improving medically," Roura said.
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"Of course, when you have a player like Messi in your team it makes a huge difference, he can dictate the game and lift the side.
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"We know he is the sort of player who can get us through a round on his own.
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"We have won games without him, but it's always important to have him on the pitch, there is no denying that."
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Barcelona are competing in a record sixth successive Champions League semifinal and are looking to lift the trophy for the third time in five season after their triumphs in 2009 and 2011.
That is what i don't like FC Barcelona for. They just depend on that man Lionel Messi. Imagine what would happen if Messi left?