AS Roma vs Barcelona preview - Lionel Messi set for 100th Champions League appearance when Barcelona visit Roma
Posted Wednesday, September 16, 2015 by PA
Lionel Messi is set to make his 100th Champions League appearance when Barcelona launch their title defence at Roma in a sold-out Stadio Olimpico in Wednesday's Group E opener.
The Argentinian superstar scored a total of 60 goals and set up 28 more in 60 appearances last season, helping the Blaugrana capture a Primera Division, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble.
Messi, who came off the bench to score the winner in Saturday's 2-1 triumph at Atletico Madrid that kept Barca perfect in La Liga and two points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the domestic standings, is expected to start against Roma.
"Messi is always the best on the pitch," Barcelona forward Neymar said to Marca. "He always makes the difference and that helps us to win games.
"We've started the season well and we are working towards winning every game.
"It's early days but we are on the right path."
Barca coach Luis Enrique is facing his former club, having been in charge of Roma in the 2011-12 campaign.
"It will be special because of how I was treated by the club and the players," he said. "It's a tricky and attractive group.
"We are the champions and we will try to make history by winning the Champions League in successive seasons.
"We did great last year but we all know that the past will not matter."
Barca beat Roma 3-0 in a pre-season friendly last month but Luis Enrique expects a different game this time.
"We played them in the Gamper (trophy), but that doesn't mean a great deal," he said.
Roma, who finished a distant second in Serie A last season behind Juventus, the team that Barca beat in the Champions League final, were eliminated from Europe's elite club competition last season in the group stages.
The Giallorossi lost three out of their five home games in Europe last season.
"We know it's not going to be easy," Roma winger Juan Manuel Iturbe said. "But it's going to be a fantastic game.
"We respect Barcelona but we want to play our game."
Iturbe struck a last-gasp winner at Frosinone to hand his side a 2-1 victory on Saturday.
The Giallorossi, coached by Rudi Garcia, are fifth in Serie A with seven points from three games.
Roma captain Francesco Totti, who is one goal away from scoring his 300th for the club in all competitions, is set to start on the bench with Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah expected to play in attack.
The Italians are without midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who is sidelined with a calf injury.
Barcelona are without injured goalkeeper Claudio Bravo so Marc Andre Ter-Stegen, who made his La Liga debut at the weekend, will play in goal.
Barca defender Gerard Pique, who is serving a four-match suspension in La Liga, is expected to start for Barca.
Photos
More»
Meet sexy model Daniella Chavez
Sunday May 19 2024
Former Barcelona star's Wag reveals incredible 'sex deal'
Sunday May 19 2024
'World Cup's sexiest fan' reveals she WILL be heading...
Saturday May 18 2024
Your Say