FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.01.2008 23:27

Messi back after 36-day layoff

Roger Bogunyà

Leo Messi has played his first match of 2008 after being sidelined by a leg injury for 36 days. Messi, who picked up his injury away to Valencia, managed almost half an hour against Racing and looked as sharp as ever.

Messi came on for Giovani in the 66th minute and gave the fans plenty of glimpses of the vertical attacking football that has made him one of the best players in the world. Curiously, last season Messi also returned from a long absence due to injury against Racing.

Deco in starting eleven

Another player making his comeback from a leg injury – in his case to the starting line-up – was Portuguese midfielder Deco.

Deco had already played a few minutes in the second half of the Cup game against Sevilla on Tuesday but played the full 90 minutes of the league clash against Racing. He produced a professional performance in midfield and took the corner that led to Barça’s goal.

First match for Pinto

Meanwhile, new goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto made his first appearance on the Barça subs bench after completing his move from Celta on Friday.

Unbeaten in 2008

FC Barcelona have started the year strongly and are one of just three First Division teams to remain unbeaten in the league and Cup in 2008 – the others are Almería and Valladolid.