Bilbao striker 'doesn't care' whether or not Messi plays in Supercopa final

The Catalan giants are about to compete for their first trophy of the season but the participation of their talisman has been a doubt.

Lionel Messi’s fitness ahead of the Supercopa de Espana final is not a concern for Inaki Williams who says Athletic Bilbao are ready to give FC Barcelona “as difficult a game as possible.”

Messi scored twice in the 4-0 La Liga win over Granada on January 9 but couldn’t last the entire due to some discomfort.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner missed Barca’s subsequent game, failing to even make the bench despite being expected to return in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Real Sociedad.

Reports in Spanish media claim he has “decided to play” in the final and could return to the starting XI against Athletic Club.

While that is as much a source of anxiety for the opposition as it is a source of immense joy for the Cules, Williams maintains a feeling of indifference.

“We want the fans to feel proud of us,” the Bilbao striker in his pre-match press conference, via Marca.

“I don’t care if Messi is playing or not because Barcelona are one of the best clubs in world football. We’re going to try to give them as difficult a game as possible. If they beat us, make sure they work for it.”