Lionel Messi in shock Sevilla decision after Argentina defeat

Barcelona star Lionel Messi wants to be rested for the La Liga giants’ clash with Sevilla at the weekend, according to reports.

Barcelona star Messi was forced to watch last night as Argentina were on the receiving end of a Spain masterclass.

Without their talisman, Jorge Sampaoli’s side toiled with Spain running riot thanks to a hat-trick from Isco and further goals from Diego Costa, Thiago and Iago Aspas. Messi missed that match through injury with the Argentina star choosing not to be involved.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon say Barcelona fans should expect to be without their No 10 at the weekend. The Catalan giants go up against Sevilla on Saturday night, knowing another three points will move them closer to the title.

It is also a dress rehearsal for the final of the Copa del Rey. Yet Messi, Don Balon report, is not expected to be involved for Barcelona that day. Instead, the 30-year-old will supposedly choose to sit it out in order to ensure he does not aggravate his injury.

Messi knows the World Cup later this year represents his final shot at winning the prize. And Barcelona are likely to do everything to help their main man achieve his main goal. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid hitman Costa thinks Argentina are lucky to have the Barcelona star at their disposal.

“You need to do an analysis of all areas, in Argentina you criticise Messi a lot but when he is not playing then it is a different story,” he said. ”You shouldn’t criticise a player like Messi but thank God that he is there.

“Messi should be treated well always whether or not he played badly because he can make the difference.”