La Liga
MESSI SET TO MISS LAS PALMAS GAME
BY BOLAJI OKUNOLA.
Barcelona star man, Lionel Messi could snub the next Spanish La Liga fixture against Las Palmas in order to stay fresh for the Champions League.
The Argentine captain, whose career is closely monitored in Nigeria owing to his team being again drawn in the same World Cup group with the Super Eagles, is reportedly being rested as he is expected to play pivotal role in Barcelona’s triple title pursuit this season.
According to Diario Gol, Messi and Valverde are being rested to avert possible injury and fatigue.
Messi could stay in Barcelona this week, instead of travelling to Las Palmas with his team-mates for Thursday match.
The 31 year old Argentine goal king who missed out of last November international friendly against Nigeria for similar reasons, could be rested for the simpler Las Palmas trip and start against Atletico at the weekend.
Messi may end up featuring in one or more of those away matches though, with Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde considering resting him against Leganes and Real Sociedad.
Messi missing games is motivated by a keenness to remain fit as Barcelona aim to secure success in the Champions League once again. The Argentine Football Association are also putting pressure on him to skip fixtures to stay fresh ahead of this summer’s World Cup.