After a brilliant campaign last season in all competitions, FC Barcelona are hoping to extend their good form to next season. But having clinched the treble, they need to make sure that nothing gets on their way to stop them from progressing, and they could do so by defeating Atletico Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup come August 16.

Many fans are aware that Barcelona wouldn’t have been that successful without the likes of their key player Lionel Messi. However, Messi has recently been declared injured during his trip to Russia for Argentina’s international friendly match against Guus Hiddink’s country; thus, he could be likely to miss his club’s next game on Sunday.

Indeed, a few days ago, Messi talked to TyC Sports about his desire to play the most important games ahead of him. Messi revealed that having been chosen by Maradona to play for Argentina in their World Cup Qualifying game against Brazil, and being aware of the importance of FC Barcelona’s UEFA Super Cup encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk, he preferred to feature in these two games and miss his side’s opening game of La Liga against Sporting Gijon, on August 31.

Well, by analysing his statement, one could quickly realize that Messi did not speak about the Spanish Super Cup clash between the Catalans and the Copa del Rey runners-up.

Perhaps, this game is a little too early for him, and in fact, a misfortune in this game could cost him to pull himself from the UEFA Super Cup, World Cup Qualifying, and La Liga game. Eventually, all would be lost…

Nevertheless, Messi fans as well as Barcelona supporters shouldn’t be too discouraged, as Guardiola always find ideas in his head to escape disgrace and disappointment.

The Spanish Champions defeated Atletico Bilbao 4-1 at the Mestella Stadium in the Copa del Rey final, as Lionel Messi created and scored a goal. Nonetheless, it is true that it is not always Messi alone who gives victory to the European champions… like we all know, Barcelona is more a side with a high team spirit – and Pep Guardiola’s men have proved it time and time again.

In the end, there’s no doubt that many fans will remain curious upon Guardiola’s starting line-up ahead of the Spanish Super Cup match, but we can only hope that whatever it is, the Copa del Rey winners will end up being victorious.

Isaac Asante, LMF

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