Why Messi starts on the bench against Juventus

22 nov 2017

Many people where surprised when Barcelona's starting line-up against Juventus was revealed as the Blaugrana's talismanic number 10 was missing from the team-sheet.

However, Spanish media reports that the reason the little Argentinian genius is missing is not down to any injuries or precautionary measures related to any injury troubles but rather a technical decision as FC Barcelona only need 1 point to secure qualification to the next round of this seasons Champions League.

Furthermore, the leaders of the Primera Division will travel away to the Mestalla to face off with second placed Valencia this coming Sunday night at 20.45 CET and want to have Messi fit for that fixture seeing that a Barcelona win in that fixture could see them seven points clear at the top of the league after only 13 matches.

Messi is replaced by Brazilian midfielder Paulinho who goes in the middle with Iniesta going on the right wing with Deulofeu going on the other flank with Luis Suarez up front.