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Messi ruled out of Betis clash after missing final Barcelona training

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Barcelona's match with Real Betis on Sunday after missing their final training session.

Messi has been working his way back from a calf injury sustained after returning late to the Barca pre-season following his efforts with Argentina in the Copa America.

He was not ready in time for Barca’s opener against Athletic Club, which saw a late goal from Aritz Aduriz deliver a surprise 1-0 defeat to the Liga champions.

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With Barca looking to bounce back from that defeat, and with Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele nursing injuries, there was hope Messi would be ready to return to the lineup against Betis.