Ernesto Valverde makes Lionel Messi injury admission

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has admitted Lionel Messi could miss the Catalan club’s opening game of the new La Liga season against Athletic Bilbao on Friday. The Argentina international has been struggling with a calf strain and missed Barcelona’s USA tour. There had been hope that the 32-year-old may recover in time to start in La Liga’s opener. Valverde said: "I would love it if Messi was on holiday, but he's injured. I wish we could have him here and count on him for Friday [against Athletic Club] but it's difficult to see."

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