Valverde Benches Messi For Copa del Rey Clasico
Ernesto Valverde has opted to leave Lionel Messi out of his starting XI ahead of Barcelona's Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi has been left out of Barcelona's starting line-up for Wednesday's clash with Real Madrid.
Having picked up an injury during Sunday's come-from-behind draw with Valencia, the Argentinean star trained on Tuesday and was subsequently named in Barca's 19-man squad for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final tie.
However, during his press conference on Tuesday, coach Ernesto Valverde indicated that he would not risk Messi unless he was fully fit.
With the 31-year-old starting on the bench, the blaugrana will line up with Luis Suarez up front, flanked either side by Malcom and Philippe Coutinho.
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