Kevin Garcia looks to stop Lionel Messi against FC Barcelona
Defender Kevin Garcia has said that RCD Mallorca will do everything they can to stop Lionel Messi when his team faces FC Barcelona on Saturday.
Messi, who returned from an ankle injury in Barcelona's Champions League game against Rubin Kazan this week, has scored seven goals in as many appearances this season and is instrumental in the Spanish champions' attack.
"We must not leave gaps, I have to stay focused throughout the whole match and not give him an inch," said Garcia, who could face Messi on the right flank.
Garcia also added that a physical game is required against the sublime Argentine, whose ankle injury was caused by a late tackle from Atletico Madrid's Tomas Ujfalusi in the sides' recent encounter.
"Football is a contact sport, and you can kick, but must not go in over aggressively."
Mallorca is eleventh in the league, with seven points from five games. The club is unbeaten at home, where they defeated both Real Sociedad and Osasuna 2–0 in their last two games, but they slumped to a 3–0 to Athletic Bilbao in their last away fixture.
Despite Mallorca's away record, Garcia said his team could cause an upset at the Camp Nou.
“We hope to surprise. We have respect for Barcelona. They are one of the best teams, but have no fear. You should go with the intention of getting a good result."
Garcia, who made his first-team debut against Osasuna only two weeks ago, has now made three league appearances for Mallorca. The 21-year-old, who rose through youth ranks at Mallorca, will be getting his feet wet against one of the world's best teams on
Sunday.
Excited about that prospect, Garcia said he will relish playing against Pep Guardiola's team.
“This is a dream fulfilled for me. Playing at a stadium like this is the greatest thing.”
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