Atlético Madrid defender Filipe Luís has insisted his team isn’t scared of Lionel Messi ahead of tonight’s top of the table clash with Barcelona.
The top two teams in La Liga are due to face off but Filipe Luís relishes the challenge of going up against the Argentinian superstar.
Esporte UOL quoted the 28-year-old who also said Atlético won’t give up their title tilt.
“We do not have to prove anything to anyone. We are not afraid of Messi, it motivates us. When we play big matches, we want everyone to be available, all their good players.
“Messi is a great player and when you meet people like that, you have to be even more concentrated. Both Barcelona and Real are far ahead with their budget and squad but we promise to participate in this battle.”
The Brazil international could come up against any one of Neymar, Pedro, Cristian Tello, Messi or Alexis Sánchez but will be prepared for all of them.
“Whoever comes, we are prepared to stop them. I have to be more careful with Pedro or Alexis than with Messi, who plays through the middle.
“They are all very dangerous. Pedro is very difficult to stop scoring, the way he arrives but we are prepared and we live for these great moments.”
