FC Barcelona have given their young forward Lionel Messi the permission to skip their La Liga opening match against Sporting Gijon, so as to keep him fit for his national duty against Brazil in the World Cup Qualifying series early in September.

Messi was recently injured, and being aware of the busy schedule which is ahead of him, the Barcelona winger prefers to play the matches he can.

Eventually, after speaking to the club about his desire to skip their opening game in La Liga, Lionel Messi was given the go ahead to play for his country instead – following a successful agreement between Barcelona’s manager Pep Guardiola and Argentina coach Diego Maradona.

In an interview with Sports, this is what Pep Guardiola said:

“He wants to play for Barca but we’re letting him join his national team.

“He could have played this weekend against Bilbao, but I preferred not to risk him because we have many games ahead.”

“I hope we are celebrating a title by next week.

“You can never pass up an opportunity to celebrate trophies; there are none more important than the other.

“We had a perfect season last year without being perfect because there are always things to improve. That’s why we are so enthusiastic.

“We are humble enough to know that we can lose at any time… They will respond well and I will give them chances.”

Isaac Asante, LMF

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