The reason Lionel Messi was a substitute in Turin against Juventus

Lionel Messi's absence is the big news ahead of Barcelona's game against Juventus. But it's not the only news. Also worth highlighting is the presence of Lucas Digne in place of Jordi Alba and the inclusion of Paulinho and Gerard Deulofeu from the start. 

But, obviously, the biggest news is that Messi starts on the bench. Something which is almost historic given he is not injured or unfit. The last time he was not a starter -- excluding enforced absences -- was on Oct. 15, 2016, when Barça played Deportivo La Coruna at Camp Nou. On that occasion, Messi was coming back from an injury so didn't start. He came on in the 55th minute for Sergio Busquets and Barça won 4-0. 

The importance of Messi, which is evident for any supporter, is also revealed in the numbers, if we think that he has started the last 61 games he has played. So, why is he not starting this time? Well, simply because it's what coach Ernesto Valverde has decided. He is aware that the team have a busy calendar between now and Christmas and he doesn't want to push Leo too hard -- especially with Valencia away on Sunday. 

And why have other coaches not done the same with Messi? Well, because the player's opinion has also changed. If until recently he's even wanted to play in every training sessions, recent comments have made it clear that he's aware players are playing a lot of games every year and that it's necessary to take a breather every now and again. Just last week, for example, he missed Argentina's game against Nigeria.