La Liga 2020-21: Lionel Messi to miss Barcelona's final game against Eibar, here's why
Lionel Messi continues to be Barcelona's top goal-scorer this season and is set to claim the Golden Boot. However, Barca would be without the La Liga title. Furthermore, he would miss the side's final game away to Eibar amidst his transfer rumours. Here's why.
FollowArgentine football superstar Lionel Messi has been in the headlines of late owing to his rumours of leaving Barcelona this summer. Meanwhile, he is all set to miss the Catalan's final game against already-relegated Eibar, away from home, on Sunday.
The reason for Messi missing out is that he would be taking a rest ahead of the Copa America 2021 next month, where he would be representing Argentina. Club head coach Ronald Koeman permitted him the same.
Also, with Barca out of the title race and confirmed of a top-four finish, there wasn't really any reason for him to travel to Eibar. "The striker can enjoy a rest before next month's Copa America after a season in which he is one of the players in the squad who has played most," said Barca in a statement.
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The 33-year-old striker has played 47 games this season and has scored 38 goals across competitions. He is also the highest goal-scorer of the season in La Liga and is set to retain the Golden Boot.
The 2021 Copa America is set to be held from June 11 to July 10 in Argentina. Although Colombia was the co-host initially, it was scrapped of its rights by the South American Football Confederation due to political unrest. It is presently unclear if Argentina would host it entirely or CONMEBOL would announce a new co-host.
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