Messi starts for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao in Copa del Rey

Lionel Messi was given the chance to do his talking on the pitch on Thursday after he was named in the Barcelona starting line-up for their Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Messi made headlines this week when criticising Eric Abidal, the Spanish club’s director of football, for suggesting some Barca players were not working hard enough under previous boss Ernesto Valverde.

The Argentina international called out Abidal for his comments in the media, telling the Frenchman he should name the individuals who were not pulling their weight.

Such a reaction has raised questions over Messi’s future at Camp Nou, though the 32-year-old was selected in the XI for the quarter-final tie against Athletic.

 San Mamés pic.twitter.com/VoVfgWTfHI

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 6, 2020

Ansu Fati was also chosen in the team, the teenager keeping his place after scoring both goals in Barcelona’s 2-1 LaLiga win over Levante at the weekend.

Head coach Quique Setien made just one change from that side, bringing in Sergi Roberto to replace Antoine Griezmann.