The Argentine superstar has made a speedy recovery from a broken arm, but the decision was taken not to involve him in a European clash with Inter
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says his side “couldn’t risk Lionel Messi” against Inter despite seeing him return to training ahead of a Champions League clash with Inter.
The mercurial Argentine suffered a broken arm during a La Liga meeting with Sevilla in mid-October.
He was expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, keeping him out of crucial domestic and European fixtures.
Messi missed a 5-1 Clasico mauling of Real Madrid, narrow league and cup victories over Rayo Vallecano and Cultural Leonesa and was not expected to be involved in a trip to Milan.