Injured Messi set to miss Barcelona’s opening La Liga game against Athletic Bilbao

Lionel Messi will not be risked for Barcelona’s opening La Liga game against Athletic Bilbao on Friday, according to his coach Ernesto Valverde.

Messi sustained a calf injury in training last week and missed Barca’s last two pre-season friendlies against Napoli.

They begin their title defence at San Mames this weekend and Valverde has said Messi is yet to train ahead of the match.