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Koeman explains decision to bench Messi against Real Betis

Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona
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The FC Barcelona skipper came on as a substitute to help inspire a second-half comeback victory over Real Betis.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman benched Lionel Messi on Sunday hoping to give the forward a rest amid a relentless schedule.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jordi Alba, Ronald Araujo, Sergio Busquets, and Antoine Griezmann were the only players to keep their spots in Koeman’s starting line-up following the 5-3 midweek Copa del Rey win at Granada after extra-time.

Messi, who had played over 755 minutes of football since January 3 prior to Sunday, was benched alongside Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Francisco Trincao.

But all four players, along with Samuel Umtiti, came on as substitutes instead to play an essential role in Barcelona’s 3-2 victory at Real Betis.

“We’ve made rotations for players with many minutes and games, although Araujo’s injury has made it even more complicated,” said Koeman as quoted by Marca.

“You have to highlight the team mentality, in a hard game we’ve won with our quality and character.”

Messi made a powerful impact in his 33-minute cameo in Seville by scoring the equalizer. Not only did it cancel out Borja Iglesias’ first-half opener, but also it took the Barcelona captain’s tally to nine goals in his last 10 outings.

“Barcelona with Messi is a better team, much more effective,” admitted Koeman. “He’s been here many years showing that he’s a vital player for this team.”

Real Betis defender Victor Ruiz scored inside his own net and later in Barcelona’s to level the scoreline at 2-2 before Trincao snatched a late winner for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona will next face Sevilla in Andalusia for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie on Wednesday.

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