Barcelona FC Captain Lionel Messi is back in the game and will be a part of the Tuesday squad that will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. This will be the first-ever appearance of the 32 years old Barca talisman in this season as Blaugrana starts its UEFA Champions League campaign. Messi has been on the sideline so far in this season because of a calf injury, but the official website of Barcelona FC recently confirmed that the medical team has already given the team captain the green light to play following his training last Monday.
Lionel Messi fans are ecstatic today upon hearing that the Argentine iconic football superstar has been cleared to travel to Germany and to play for Barcelona on its match against Borussia Dortmund. So far, Blaugrana failed to win its first game for this season against Atletico Bilbao. However, since that defeat, the team was able to set an unbeaten record in three and made 12 goals over that period.
On its official Twitter account, Barcelona FC shared the good news to fans stating that Lionel Messi along with Neto are both declared fit for the Champions League opener. It can be recalled that Barcelona's backup goalkeeper Neto also suffered from a hand injury.
Borussia Dortmund was defeated at Union Berlin right before the international break but managed to snatch a victory against Bayer Leverkusen when they returned to Bundesliga last Saturday. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi suffered from several injuries in the past season and was sidelined for three long weeks following his right arm fracture last October. The 32 years old Barca captain was anticipated to return last August 25 at Barcelona's match against Real Betis.
[INJURY NEWS] Leo #Messi and Neto declared fit for @ChampionsLeague opener pic.twitter.com/WGN7BgRQlk — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 16, 2019
Unfortunately, his scar reopened, which extended his rest for a couple more of weeks. Lionel Messi also had a groin injury last March which is the reason why he missed a lot of action for Argentina's friendly match against Morocco. The Barca talisman has played 49 matches in for the Camp Nou team. Transfermarkt reported that between 2013 and 2014 Messi only played 46 games.
Despite his injuries, Lionel Messi was once again instrumental for Blaugrana in the past season and made 51 goals out of 50 appearances. This season, the team has a mixed start with Messi's absence on the field, winning only half of its matches. Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde understands that his team can afford several slip-ups in the European group stage campaign if they want to progress.
Barcelona FC is designated to a group along with Slavia Prague, Inter Milan, and Dortmund. The return of Lionel Messi on the field is expected to offer a welcome boost as Barca bids to improve its semi-finals performance in the competition in the past season. The team was eliminated by Liverpool in April.
