Lionel Messi left out of Barcelona squad to face Levante

Ernesto Valverde published his squad list ahead of Barcelona's Sunday night clash with Levante in Valencia. The biggest surprise was the absence of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine forward was not included along with the suspended Sergi Roberto, the injured Samuel Umtiti or Aleix Vidal, who was simply not needed.

Levante have won their last four home games and are dreaming of breaking Barca's unbeaten run. Messi's absence is one step towards achieving that. 

This will be the second game Messi has missed this season in la Liga, the first was at Malaga when his baby Ciro was born.

Barca's squad:

1. Ter Stegen
2. Cillessen
3. N. Semedo
4. Piqué
5. I. Rakitic
6. Sergio
7. Denis Suárez
8. A. Iniesta
9. Suárez
10. O. Dembélé
11. Coutinho
12. Paulinho
13. Paco Alcácer
14. Jordi Alba
15. Digne
16. André Gomes
17. Yerry Mina
18. Vermaelen