Messi may start on the bench...

BarcelonaPlayer didn't train at 100% on Wednesday

After again feeling some discomfort in the pubis area, this time during Barcelona training on Wednesday, Lionel Messi may begin Saturday's match against Alaves on the bench.

The injury has to be managed correctly and the Argentinian will need to listen to his body to see how far he can push himself without further aggravation.

It's a mild complaint although very persistent, and Messi may look to the example of Sergio Busquets two years ago when the Spaniard had exactly the same problem but played without stopping for surgery.

Barcelona's No.10 only completed part of the training session with his teammates, the rest of the time was spent undergoing specific work on the affected area.

Carles Puyol, Messi's former teammate, spoke at a promotional event on the matter.

"It's an injury that doesn't stop you from improving.

"I suffered from it and although many would like to see Leo rest, there isn't much risk attached to him continuing to play."

Depending on the evolution of the injury over the next couple of days, Luis Enrique will decide whether to start with his talisman against Alaves.

Considering, with respect, the little difficulty that this rival is expected to present, the coach would have no problem rotating Messi, with the intention of avoiding greater problems.

There are many alternatives, therefore it's likely he'll drop his best man.