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Lionel Messi: Barcelona make shock Twitter announcement
BARCELONA have announced Lionel Messi will miss tonight's clash with Malaga due to personal reasons.
Messi was rested for the Catalan Super Cup clash with Espanyol in midweek but was expected to play tonight after training with his team-mates on Friday.
But Barcelona confirmed on Twitter that Messi’s place in the squad will be taken by defender Yerry Mina.
Barcelona tweeted: “[LAST MINUTE] Change to the squad. Messi is out for personal reasons and Yerry Mina takes his place.”
Messi’s absence will be a blow to Barcelona as they look to defend their 10 point La Liga advantage.
Lionel Messi won't feature for Barcelona against Malaga
Lionel Messi trained with his team-mates yesterday
Messi is out for personal reasons and Yerry Mina takes his place
Malaga
But Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has warned his team not be complacent.
"The teams in the bottom part of the table are the ones who pick most points in the final part of the season," Valverde said.
"Malaga
"Every game is important and not winning would mean a lot more pressure going into the next game."