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Lionel Messi looks miserable as Barcelona concede against Real Madrid in El Clasico
LIONEL MESSI cut a miserable figure on the Barcelona bench against Real Madrid tonight.
Lionel Messi was an injury doubt for the Clasico encounter after injuring his foot at the weekend.
The Argentine was eventually cleared to play in the Copa del Rey semi-final clash at the Nou Camp.
But Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde opted to start the superstar on the bench.
Messi is not used to starting games on the sidelines, having been Barca’s talisman now for well over a decade.
And the 31-year-old did not exactly look happy about starting in the dug-out.
Messi was snapped looking miserable as Barca kicks off against Real Madrid.
And his night got even worse when Lucas Vasquez gave Real the lead just six minutes into the game.
Thursday’s clash is the first of two legs between the rivals and Messi is expected to start the reverse tie, assuming he is fit.
Barcelona are currently romping ahead in La Liga but are keen on adding the Copa del Rey to their trophy haul this season.
The Nou Cam giants are also desperate to claim another Champions League honour before the campaign is out.