Playing without Messi is BIG challenge – Valverde:

Barcelona will face Inter on Wednesday without Lionel Messi and Ernesto Valverde has declared that the team should turn the player’s absence into a challenge.

The former Athletic Club coach has also stressed that the team will intend to create a winning streak without their captain on board.

“Of course we are very affected by the fact that he isn’t here,” he told a press conference.

“It’s a challenge for us to take the matches forward.

“We’re very motivated, we’re going to miss him but we want to miss him by winning.

“We have players in the team to replace him and also options to change the way we play.

“I won’t give clues to the opponent.”

Valverde went on to talk about the Nerazzurri and their Champions League group situation.

“We expect a rival [that is] in one of the best moments of form of the season,” he added.

“They have won seven straight games and they never give up, several of their matches have been won in the last minutes and they are team with a good spirit.

“We are two teams with six points and those who follow us have zero.

“For me it is a decisive match because we want to give that first strike in the double confrontation against Inter.”

The match kicks off at 21:00 CEST on Wednesday.