Xtra Time Web Desk: Barcelona have announced that Lionel Messi will miss Saturday’s trip to Eibar in what will be the club’s final fixture for the 2020-21 season. The news come a bit of a surprise, however it seems the captain has been given permission to take a bit of a break before his scheduled involvement in the Copa America this summer. Messi did not train on Friday and is the second player to be sent on holiday early with Barca confirming earlier this week that Pedri has been given time off after a busy schedule.
“Leo Messi has not trained on Friday with the coach’s permission and he will not be in the squad for the game against Eibar on Saturday. The striker can enjoy a rest before next month’s Copa América after a season in which he is one of the players in the squad who has played most.” Messi should still finish the season as La Liga’s top scorer yet again with 30 goals from 35 appearances. His nearest challenger is Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno on 23 goals. Messi goes for this sabbatical with his future at Barcelona still being up in the air.