Lionel Messi benching explained by Ronald Koeman as Barcelona boss aims to reverse slump

BARCELONA boss Ronald Koeman has explained why he benched Lionel Messi against Real Betis. The Argentine superstar was left among the subs for the Catalan giants’ 5-2 win yesterday but came on in the second-half to score twice. Messi was determined to leave the Nou Camp in the summer. And he was said to have […]

BARCELONA boss Ronald Koeman has explained why he benched Lionel Messi against Real Betis.

The Argentine superstar was left among the subs for the Catalan giants’ 5-2 win yesterday but came on in the second-half to score twice.

EPA

Lionel Messi was left on the bench for Barcelona’s game against Real Betis[/caption]

AP:Associated Press

Coach Ronald Koeman was forced to explain why after the game[/caption]

Messi was determined to leave the Nou Camp in the summer.

And he was said to have been unimpressed by former-Everton boss Koeman after initial conversations between the pair upon the Dutchman’s August appointment.

However, Koeman confirmed his exclusion – for the first time in a year – had nothing to do with any rift.

The 57-year-old said: “Since yesterday we talked and he had some discomfort from the game against Dynamo Kyiv.

“We decided it was best to leave him on the bench in case we needed him.

“Without discomfort, he would have played.

“We know who he is and I have no doubts about him.

“I watch him work every day.

“He was not a starter today, but in the second half he was very important.”

Ousmane Dembele put Barca one up after 22 minutes before Antonio Sanabria equalised for the visitors on the stroke of half time.

Messi replaced Ansu Fati – who faces months out with a serious knee injury – just a minute into the second period before Antione Griezmann put the Catalans in front again.

And the Argentine converted a penalty before Lorenzo Garcia pulled one back to set up a tense finish.

But Messi’s second on 82 minutes put the game to bed and Pedri struck in the 90th minute to put the icing on the cake.

Barca beat Dynamo Kiev 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

And during the game Messi was criticised for walking.

But Koeman was quick to defend him after the game, telling reporters he is ‘not interested’ in such complaints.