Lionel Messi will need to be rested by Barcelona at various points in the 2020-21 campaign, thinks Rivaldo, saying the Liga giants need to avoid running the risk of “unnecessary injuries” being picked up.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is unlikely to remove himself from the fold, but Messi is now 33 years of age and may have to accept that his workload will be managed by others.
Rivaldo hopes Ronald Koeman and co can convince the Argentine that taking the odd breather will beneficial to him, with Barca requiring a club talisman to be at his peak when needed most.