Lionel Messi to call the shots on injury, participation in Super Cup finals: Ronald Koeman

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman on Saturday said that the team is hopeful to see Lionel Messi up and running against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup, but the final decision solely depends on the Argentine. Messi complained of discomfort and was left out of Barcelona’s squad against Real Sociedad on Thursday.

In quest for his first trophy as the Barcelona boss, Koeman will have to counter the knock out jinx the Catalan camp has been carrying on their shoulders since 2018. A major hurdle that could trip the team into a ditch in Sunday’s Spanish Cup finals is the non participation of talisman Lionel Messi. Not only the No 10 – with 14 goals– is the leading scorer for Barcelona across competitions but the only match he missed off late saw Koeman and company draw in playing time against Real Sociedad.

Messi 33, was injured during Barcelona’s 4-0 game versus Granada where he scored a brace.

“He trained on his own yesterday (Friday). We have a session this evening, he wants to train, so we’ll see how he feels afterwards and if he wants to play or not,” Koeman told a news conference on Saturday in Seville.

“Tomorrow morning we’ll see how his body reacts to the session, but we have high hopes that he’ll be there for the match.”

Messi was pictured with strapping on his left thigh as he watched the semi-final from the stands in Cordoba. Barca won 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

“Every player needs to be 100% to start the game, it’s not the last game of the season, we still have a lot of games after this one,” said Koeman. “The final decision will be the player’s.”

Barcelona have finally sought to winning ways with a nine matche unbeaten streak coming post a disappointing start with Ronald Koeman. They currently occupy the third rung of the La Liga points table behind arch rivals from Madrid.

“It’s always important to win things to prove that you are on the right track,” said Koeman. “It’s not the most important title as a player but it’s a title.

“Each title you win, it’s another line on your list of honours. It’s important for the players and for the club.”

The Blaugrana carried a complete squad to Sevilla barring Gerard Pique and Phillipe Coutinho.