Pirlo: Lionel Messi's problem is mental, it's not football-related
The Italian coach takes his Juventus side to Camp Nou on Tuesday in the Champions League
Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo spoke to the press on Monday ahead of his side's Champions League game against Barcelona on Tuesday.
Barça go into the game at Camp Nou top of the group and Juventus would need a big win to leapfrog them in what is the final fixture of the group stage.
Regardless of the result, both teams will be in the last 16, so Pirlo was at ease as he spoke about the match, Barça coach Ronald Koeman and Lionel Messi's form.
On Koeman, he said: "Koeman's putting his ideas into action and needs time. It's the same with us. It's important, above all, to keep growing and these games are those that allow that. Winning the group is important, it has a certain advantage in the draw, but it's more important how we play and if we're happy or not at the end. We have nothing to lose and we can play freely."
On whether Messi or Ronaldo is better, he said: "Koeman's right, it would be a mistake to say one is better than the other. They've shared the Ballon d'Or in the last 15 years, it's not fair to say one or the other, they're two guys that have made millions and millions of fans enjoy themselves every time they play. We have to thank them for what they've done for the game."
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Finally, on Messi's form, he said: "He's in a special moment in his life, not his career, because he had some problems in the summer, if he would stay at Barça or not, but during the game he's shown his value. More than in terms of football, maybe he has a mental problem, but I don't want to get involved. It's not to do with us. Messi is a phenomenon and he's proven that."
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