Barcelona's Lionel Messi: I'd Rather Start on the Bench Than Be Subbed off

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has revealed he would rather start a game on the bench than be substituted off, even though it would mean less time on the pitch.

"I don't like to be replaced. I prefer to come from the bench and play less than to be taken out.

"I say that because a lot of games are resolved near the end of the game, or you find more spaces then because you have more rivals that are tired. I prefer to come in and enjoy it than to leave and miss out on the best."

The Argentinian also discussed the ways in which he has improved his game over the years, and he feels he has "grown in terms of reading the game better. To know at what moment and where I can be more effective and…