Lionel Messi knows Philippe Coutinho plan: Barcelona ace will NOT be happy

BARCELONA star Lionel Messi has reportedly discovered Ernesto Valverde is planning to play Philippe Coutinho ahead of Andres Iniesta in La Liga from now on.

Coutinho finally joined the Spanish giants from Liverpool last month following almost a year of speculation.

And that £142m move came after he’d long been touted as the heir to Iniesta’s playmaker role in Barcelona’s midfield.

Coutinho and Iniesta have played together so far but yesterday the Brazilian was preferred to his team-mate against Girona.

And he shined for Valverde’s side, scoring his first goal at the Nou Camp as they ran out comfortable 6-1 winners.

Lionel Messi has discovered Ernesto Valverde is planning to play Philippe Coutinho more in La LigaThe latest reports from Spain suggest Barcelona fans can expect to see much more of Coutinho - to Iniesta’s dismay.

According to Don Balon, Messi has got wind that Valverde is planning to start Coutinho in La Liga from now on.

Valverde is apparently desperate to ensure Iniesta remains fit for the Champions League, a competition Coutinho is cup-tied in.

And that means his appearances will be limited on the domestic front, with Coutinho taking his place in the starting XI.

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Lionel Messi has discovered Ernesto Valverde is planning to play Philippe Coutinho more in La Liga

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Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho is set to play ahead of Andres Iniesta in La Liga

Don Balon indicate Iniesta will not be best pleased by Valverde’s decision to play Coutinho ahead of him.

And his potential unhappiness comes as he has an offer to leave Barcelona in a money-spinning switch to the Chinese Super League.

Amid Valverde’s decision, Barcelona are fearful of losing Iniesta as they are pinning their hopes on him guiding them to Champions League glory.