The football world is waiting for Tuesday’s ‘Copa del Rey’ semi-final second leg.

Lionel Messi realizes the clasicois always huge but this time it is particularly crucial: “We know that we’ll have to play to the best of our ability against Madrid because it’s a great team with outstanding players. The team is in great physical form, despite our last two games not being our best. We have to get back to playing as we always do. We can’t dwell on the AC Milan result”.

Recalling the incident he was involved in with Arbeloa and Karanka, the Argentine said: “The criticism doesn’t bother me, especially knowing where it’s come from”.

Lionel Messi- ‘The criticism doesn’t bother me, especially knowing where it’s coming from’

About his performance he adds: “I’ve been used to playing in every game for a long time and I think that my physical fitness is improving. I perform better without a break”, he said.

“What’s important is for the team to regain its previous form. It’s great if I can help by scoring. I hope that both my teammates and I put in a good performance on Tuesday in order to qualify for the final, which is what’s most important to us”.

Barcelona wants to win every trophy it’s playing for: “Once we hang up our boots people will appreciate exactly what this team achieved during its time. If we do things well, it’s in our hands”.