Share

Messi included in Barca squad

Barcelona - World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has been included in the Barcelona squad for the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The Argentine took a full part in training on Sunday morning and although he hasn't yet been fully cleared to play due to a hamstring injury, will be part of the 21-man squad that travels to Germany.

"Lionel Messi trained normally on Sunday morning and although he has not been given the medical all-clear, will be among the 21 players in the squad for the Champions League match against Bayern Munich," said a statement on the Barcelona website.

"The only three players absent from the squad are the injured (Javier) Mascherano and (Carles) Puyol and the suspended Adriano."

Messi is expected to start despite not having played since the second-leg of Barca's quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain on April 10.

Meanwhile, the absence of Adriano, Puyol and Mascherano mean that 22-year-old centre-back Marc Bartra is likely to partner Gerard Pique at the back.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE