HOLA!

Is Lionel Messi in the right frame of mind to lead Barcelona in their Champions League last 16 return leg clash against AC Milan at Nou Camp tomorrow (3:45am)?

Barca were stunned 2-0 in the first leg by Milan three weeks ago and face this pretty difficult task to squeeze into the last eight.

Messi, despite breaking another world record when he scored once in the 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna at Nou Camp on Saturday, seems to be down of late.

Yes... he has amazingly scored in 17th consecutive Primera Liga game.

That goal was also his 40th in the Liga this season and his 27th in 17 games.

Messi (right), for the record, overhauled the feat set by Polish attacker Teodor Pewterek who scored 22 goals in 16 straight outings for Ruch Chorzow at the end of the 1930s.

Anyway, the Argentine genius, last week brushed aside claims he was sad.

Barca rightback Daniel Alves, however, admitted on Monday that Messi has been down in recent games.

"On a day to day I see him as normal, I see it. But I'm not hypocritical. It is clear that in recent games he has been emotionally down," said the Brazilian.

"Why? I do not know, I have not sought to know. I just want to know what he's interested in sharing. And if someone is not interested in sharing his life or living, who am I to ask? I respect his space.

"But I noticed he was a little more downcast than usual. I think what sets it apart from others is that he has a great personality and when he is down, he tries again."

Whatever it is, Barca surely need Messi fully focused tomorrow to have that chance to send Milan home frustrated.

If not, the Catalans can say adios to their campaign in this Europe's elite competition this year.

The 25-year-old Messi is set to be marked tightly by Milan players – at least two or three of them at one time, just like in the first leg.

So he will need some magical moments, which he is more than capable of, to get the better of the highly disciplined Milan defence.

But this can't be happening if something is bothering him emotionally. But then again, it must be said that Messi is also human.

Messi aside, Alves (left) has no doubts as to how Barca will approach the game.

"If we don't take risks, we won´t win. We have to face up to this game with no fear," he told  Barca TV - even going so far as to declare "I´d bet the kitchen sink we beat Milan."

True.

The Catalans need the goals and they have to take the risk to achieve that.

Another goal conceded may well spell the end for Barca but that's the way it is with the situation they are in.

Similar to 'midfield maestro Xavi, Alves believes his teammates must answer to the heroic call.

"This have always been a great club, but we have never crowned ourselves with such a historic comeback. Maybe now is the time to do just that," said Alves.

So will Barca will be successful?

Difficult... but if Messi can produce his magic and his teammates assisting him well, the Catalans may just stun Milan.

If not, like they say, there will be always be another season.

Adios!


- mD