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Messi: The real reason Barcelona star didn't play vs Juventus revealed
THE real reason Lionel Messi didn't play against Juventus has been revealed by Ernesto Valverde.
Lionel Messi came off the bench for Barcelona against Juventus
It had been claimed in Spain that Messi was benched for the Champions League clash with Juventus because of his dream to usurp Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona booked their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a goalless draw against Juventus in Turin.
It was a far cry from lat year where they were put the sword by the Serie A giants under old boss Luis Enrique.
Many were surprised to see Messi on the bench, with the Barcelona talisman rarely missing a game these days.
Spanish outlet Don Balon claim Messi asked Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde to be left out in order to keep him in top condition.
Lionel Messi started the Juventus game on the Barcelona bench
Valverde alluded to that and said it was because Messi needed rest ahead of their crunch La Liga clash on Saturday night.
"Leo has played a lot of matches and needed to rest," Valverde said after the match.
"He came on in the second half, with everything more open.
"These are internal things that the coach handles."