Valverde Insists Messi Is Fine

Ernesto Valverde has insisted that Lionel Messi is fine despite not starting against Real Madrid.

The Barcelona talisman was seen on the bench after an apparent injury saw him not being included in the starting lineup.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has said that star striker Lionel Messi is fine despite not starting against Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey semi-final. The talismanic forward was left on the bench against the Galacticos during the El Clasico as Valverde insisted that they did not want to take any risk after an injury that Messi picked up during Barcelona’s last encounter in the La Liga against Valencia.

Speaking to the media after the match, the Blaugrana gaffer said, “Leo is fine.”

He added, “He had some discomfort and we decided it was for the best.”

Malcom, who started in Messi’s position for the match, scored the equaliser for the Blaugrana after the Galacticos took the lead in the first half via Lucas Vazquez’s strike. Messi came on later as a substitute for Philippe Coutinho but could not add any more goals as the tie ended in a draw, with both the teams having everything to play for when they meet in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on 28th February.

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