FC Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has opened up about his decision to bench Lionel Messi on Saturday afternoon.
The Catalan giants thrashed 10-man Real Betis 5-2 at the Camp Nou, with Messi netting two goals off the bench.
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However, it has now been revealed the Argentine forward suffered a knock after the UEFA Champions League win over Dynamo Kyiv in midweek.
"We talked to Leo, who came out of the Dynamo game with a niggle and he was not fit to play from the start," Koeman told reporters, according to Goal.
"He was on the bench in case we needed him. If he was physically OK, he would have played from the start."
Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele were also on target for the Catalan outfit, ending their respective goal-droughts.
"It is a big win for how much we needed the points and I am happy with our attacking play," he added.
"We created a lot of danger, with a lot of chances. The draw at the break was not fair.
"We were better, missed a penalty and had more chances. We deserved to score in the second half.
"I hope [Griezmann] keeps working as he has done so far. You have to be there in order to miss.
"I'd like to highlight his character in staying here and continuing to work hard. He knows perfectly well that he has missed chances. Despite his bad luck, he's always there to score."
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