Barca boss Valverde has revealed that Messi could be used on the right as the club highlight the need to look after the 31-year-old’s wellbeing.
“It’s possible – we know his tendency to be drawn to where the ball is,” Valverde said.
“Whether Messi plays out wide or through the middle, it’s always an advantage for us.
“That’s how we’ve started ahead of the new season, we’ll see how he gets on.
Valverde believes in the importance on keeping Messi happy and involved in the game thus preventing the forward becoming isolated or frustrated in a match.
Last season Messi made 32 La Liga appearances, in which he scored 34 goals and created 12 assists.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia Messi played four games for Argentina, in which he scored a single goal and created 2 assists.
“Like everyone else, Messi needs to feel comfortable, be involved in the game, score and set up goals,” Valverde said.
“I think that’s practically what every player needs.
“But it’s true that there is a lot of commotion around Leo just for who he is – both here and in Argentina.
“What we have to do is create an environment for him in which he feels happy out on the pitch.”
Another player the Catalan Giants hope will hit form quickly this season is Luis Suarez.
The 31-year-old had a good World Cup with Uruguay, helping them reach the quarter-finals and
Valverde is confident Suarez will quickly get up to speed.
There are concerns over Suarez’s early season form because of his performances in La Liga last year, but Valverde quickly dismissed this, insisting it was the player’s desire to fight and persevere which he regarded highly.
“Luis is fine. He’s only just coming back from his break, so he’s gradually getting up to speed, but he looks good,” Valverde said.
“Luis is a goalscorer. He’s aggressive in the area. We know what he gives us. Regardless of his success in front of goal, the fight is always there.
“Last year, at the beginning, there were criticisms because it took him a while to start scoring, but when he started he did not stop.
“He guarantees fight in front of the goal. It’s a matter of patience and perseverance, and what Luis has is perseverance.
“Once he gets started he doesn’t stop. He’ll keep plugging away.”
Barcelona face Alaves at the Nou Camp in their opening game of La Liga on Saturday.