Barcelona boss Valverde defends Messi omission in Copa del Rey defeat

Ernesto Valverde defended resting Lionel Messi as Barcelona were left on the brink of Copa del Rey elimination following a 2-0 loss at Sevilla on Wednesday. Second-half goals from Pablo Sarabia and Wissam Ben Yedder left Sevilla in a commanding position against holders Barca in the quarterfinal tie going into next week's second leg at Camp Nou. Messi, who's scored 25 times in 24 appearances this season, wasn't even included in the Barca squad for the game despite only being on the bench for Sunday's...

from ESPN FC News https://es.pn/2DxmGCL