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Lionel Messi: Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Barcelona vs Real Madrid TONIGHT?
LIONEL MESSI is not starting for Barcelona against Real Madrid in El Clasico tonight. Express Sport has all the details on his absence.
El Classico: Real Madrid warm up for clash against Barcelona
Lionel Messi will start tonight's El Clasico showdown on the bench as Barcelona and Real Madrid go head-to-head at the Nou Camp.
The Argentine superstar is expected to feature at some stage with his team going doing battle in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
Messi has a terrific scoring record against Real Madrid with 26 goals and 14 assists in 38 games.
He must wait for his opportunity to strike again, but why is the Barcelona star on the bench in the first place?
Why is Lionel Messi not starting against Real Madrid?
Messi sustained a thigh problem during last weekend's clash with Valencia.
He lasted the full 90 minutes but was in discomfort after the game, throwing his participation in El Clasico into doubt.
The Argentine star was given the 'green light' to be included in the squad this week.
However, despite making the bench, boss Ernesto Valverde will be keen to negotiate a way past Real Madrid without relying on Messi.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid live stream
El Clasico will be live streamed via the Eleven Sports service in the UK.
The game kicks off at 8pm (UK time) with full coverage of the match beaming back from the Nou Camp.
Eleven Sports is available for £5.99 per month and regularly streams La Liga, Serie A and Eredivisie action.
Fans in the US can tune in to BeIN Sports for coverage while those in Spain can watch the action on GOL, TVE and TV3.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid past meetings
Barcelona 5-1 Real Madrid (La Liga – October 28, 2018)
Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (La Liga – May 6, 2018)
Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona (La Liga – December 23, 2017)
Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona (Spanish Super Cup – August 16, 2017)
Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid (Spanish Super Cup – August 13, 2017)