Lionel Messi has been left out of the Barcelona’s squad for their away game against Levante. There are two La Liga games still to play.
FC Barcelona play away at Levante as the Catalans attempt to continue their unbeaten league run. Ernesto Valverde announced his 18-man squad for the game for the Sunday night game. However, there has been a big name missing in the team.
Barca manager Ernesto Valverde has omitted Lionel Messi from the squad. While there is no explanation given for the decision, it is speculated that the Argentine is rested.
This has come as a big surprise, as Barca has only two games remaining in the season. With the league already won, the Catalan club needs to ensure two wins/draws to successfully complete an invincible La Liga run.
If it happens, FC Barcelona would become the first team since 1938 to win a La Liga title unbeaten.
Lionel Messi is not the only omission from the squad. Aleix Vidal fails to make the squad again, whereas Sergi Roberto is serving a four-match suspension.
Samuel Umtiti is recovering from an injury, and will not play the game as well.
This would be the only second game Lionel Messi would miss in this La Liga campaign, the first being an away game against Malaga.
Barcelona is currently on 90 points in the La Liga table, with two games remaining. With 27 wins and 9 draws, Barcelona are 12 points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
The Catalan club would play their final game against Real Sociedad. The home game is going to be an emotional affair as their long-serving midfielder Andres Iniesta plays for the last time.
Also read: Thank you, Andres Iniesta: A tribute to modern-day midfield great
Barcelona’s squad – Ter Stegen, Cillessen, Semedo, Pique, Rakitic, Sergio, Denis Suarez, Iniesta, Luis Suarez, Dembele, Coutinho, Paulinho, Paco Alcacer, Jordi Alba, Digne, Andre Gomes, Yerry Mina and Vermaelen.
