Lionel Messi Absent from Line-Up for ‘First Ever El Clasico in Japan’
Lionel Messi, a Barcelona legend, is unexpectedly missing from the roster for the “first ever El Clasico in Japan,” an exhibition match in honor of Andres Iniesta’s retirement.
Messi, who broke numerous records during his time at Camp Nou, scoring 672 goals and winning 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies, will not be part of the line-up celebrating his former teammate. Iniesta, who played alongside Messi during Barcelona’s golden years, is hanging up his boots at the age of 40 after spending five years with Japan’s Vissel Kobe.
Who Will Be Playing?
While Messi won’t be participating, a stellar line-up of Barcelona and Real Madrid legends will be in attendance, including Xavi, Rivaldo, Javier Mascherano, Rafa Marquez, Bojan Krkic, Adriano, Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, Iker Casillas, Julio Baptista, Steve McManaman, Savio, and Ivan Campo.
