Mexes preparing for Messi

AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes has joked he would rather be facing Barcelona’s Lionel Messi on a Playstation than in the flesh.

The two sides are set to face off in a Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash at San Siro on Wednesday, and despite Messi’s sensational form, Mexes said Milan will push the European champions all the way.

“It’s already difficult enough to stop Messi on Playstation,” the French international told Sky Sport.

“Messi is a great player and he deserves respect, but we will play like we have always done.

“Barca are the best team in the world, but we will do everything we can to advance. We had to meet them sooner or later.”

The former Roma centre-back said the absence of Thiago Silva with a hamstring strain is a huge blow for Milan.

“Thiago Silva is suffering a lot. We hope that his injury is not that bad because we need him. Hopefully he’ll return sooner than expected,” he said.