As reported by TV3, Messi does not play this Saturday against Betis due to ankle problems. While the Barça club assured, through its communication department, that it was a technical decision, Catalan television reported that it does not play due to physical discomfort. In fact, Ronald Koeman's second coach, Alfred Schreuder, He did not reveal whether or not Messi has discomfort in one of his ankles and, regarding the Argentine's substitution, he limited himself to saying: “If someone is not fresh, he leaves the bench. And there are many accumulated games”.
It remains to be known now if he plays this Saturday against Betis, even for a few minutes, and if he travels with the Argentine team for the next two weeks.
Messi had played all the official minutes of the season. Koeman had considered his replacement in Getafe, just back from the national team break; and this Wednesday, against Dynamo Kiev. Messi had been a starter in both cases. This time, he will stay on the bench against Betis.
Messi was about to complete his 38th game (a complete league) playing 90 consecutive minutes. His last replacement in LaLiga had been last September 21 against Granada (2-0 Barça defeat). He had left for Carles Pérez at rest. It is Messi's 54th replacement since he played for Barça.