Javier Pastore: Lionel Messi is a pride for Argentina but I hope he doesn't score!

Javier Pastore: Lionel Messi is a pride for Argentina but I hope he doesn't score!

Javier Pastore spoke in the press conference ahead of Barcelona's game against PSG. The Argentine midfielder said "it will be a difficult game. The unique positive for us is that we have nothing to lose, if the result is negative."

The French team are likely to restore Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti to the starting line up after they were banned for the first leg.

"They are very important players for us," said Pastore. "They are key and we will try to play better football than in the first leg so we can reach the semi-finals."

Asked about the best way to beat Barcelona, the midfielder said: "We cannot let Barcelona have possession. We have to be aggressive to recover the ball and afterwards play in the way we know how to."

With respect to Messi, Pastore said: "Messi has been great for six years. He has incredible numbers. He's a pride for Argentina. He's at a level where each year he's better and I hope he continues this, although I hope that tomorrow he pauses a little, and doesn't score a goal!"

Finally, after his two goals against Nice, Pastore spoke of his own form.

"I think I have improved a lot, I have continuity and physically I am well. I hope to get a lot better."