South African fans chanted Messi's name throughout the game until Valverde decided to introduce him with just 20 minutes to go
FC Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has explained why Lionel Messi only featured in the final 20 minutes of their Nelson Mandela Centenary Cup win over Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
Valverde confirmed that Messi didn't train with the team on Tuesday, but said it was nothing major as the left-footed player is still struggling with flu.
However, the technical team felt it was important for Messi to participate in the match, probably because of the huge support the 30-year-old enjoys in South Africa.