Koeman explains 'unusual' Messi exclusion from Barca's CL squad

The Barca boss has opted against using a talismanic presence in line-ups of the two previous European games – a rather strange practice.

FC Barcelona have sailed smoothly in the Champions League so far this season, winning each of their four group stage games.

The Spanish side secured a resounding 5-1 win over Ferencvaros on matchday 1 with Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho, Pedri, and Ousmane Dembele the scorers.

Up next came their biggest test of the campaign as Barca played Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Juventus away from home, but they successfully disposed of the Italian champions with a 2-0 result with Messi yet again getting on the scoresheet.

He then made it three goals from three games when he opened the scoring in his side’s 2-1 win over Dynamo Kyiv.

The team’s star player was rested in the reverse fixture against the Ukrainian side as Barca already had one foot in the Last 16 stage by then.

Messi once again will not participate in the upcoming 2nd leg clash against Ferencvaros, with Ronald Koeman suggesting that the tight fixture schedule means the 33-year-old needed some rest.

“It’s not usual for Messi to rest, I know this, but I have spoken to him about it even if the decision is mine,” Koeman explained in his pre-match press conference.

“Given the way the calendar is this season, there have been two moments when I could rest him, in Kiev and tomorrow.

“We are already qualified and this way I am able to give opportunities to others. We need to win Saturday’s match in LaLiga, so this is the right time for him to rest. After tomorrow there won’t be any other chances to do that.”