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Barcelona’s Lionel Messi racing to be fit in time for Supercup final

By Ernesto Hernandez

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) talks with teammates before the extra time of the Spanish Super Cup semi final football match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona.(Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) talks with teammates before the extra time of the Spanish Super Cup semi final football match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona.(Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images) /
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The Argentine was left out of Barcelona’s semifinal match against Real Sociedad.

Lionel Messi was unavailable for Barcelona’s dramatic penalty shootout win against Real Sociedad in the Spanish Supercup semifinal.

The Argentine watched from the stands as the Catalans advanced to the final thanks to the heroics of Frenkie de Jong, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Riqui Puig.

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With Barcelona advancing to the final, one of the questions asked to manager Ronald Koeman was about the possibility of Messi recovering in time and taking part in the match.

"“First, I am very proud of this team, because if you count all the missing players we have in this moment, I think it is important to have people behind who can help. I think today we fulfilled in every way.“I know Real [Sociedad] had their chances like us. We just managed to win after the penalties.“Regarding Leo, we must wait the next days to know whether he is able to play.”Source: Diario AS"

With his status up in the air, it is going to be a race against time to see if Koeman will be able to count on the best player on his team. His performances prior to the injury were reminiscent of the Messi of old.

There were signs of trouble in the Granada match which is why he was pulled early in the second half. Initially believed to be only a minor inconvenience, it was enough to force him to miss the final training session before the semifinal and eventually the match.

For his part, Messi is feeling motivated and wants to take part in the final. There is also optimism within the club that he could be available.

Final or not, both he and the club will need to reasonable about his involvement. If he is still not fit, it might not be worth taking the risk considering the packed schedule this season.

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But should he be available, it would provide a significant boost as Barcelona look to win their first title of the season and the first under Koeman.

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