Lionel Messi could MISS first El Clasico this season if he prioritises Argentina WC games

Despite a dramatic decision to stay put at Barcelona after handing in his transfer request, Lionel Messi is in danger of missing first El Clasico (Barcelona vs Real Madrid) this season if he is selected for Argentina's World Cup qualification double-header next month. Messi, El Clasico's top scorer, will have to spend two weeks in quarantine once he returns to Catalonia from his international duties and will, refore, be unavailable for clash against Real Madrid later in October. Argentina's World Cup 2022 qualifying fixtures have been confirmed, with matches against Ecuador and Bolivia set to take place in second week of October.

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Lionel Messi to miss El Clasico? When is El Clasico?

first El Clasico of 2020-21 LaLiga season is scheduled to take place on October 25 but Barcelona might be without talisman Lionel Messi for intense encounter at Camp u. Despite pandemic, FIFA recently confirmed that players situated in Europe will be available for CONMEBOL qualifiers, but a number of clubs have raised concerns due to ir congestive fixture lists this season as well as travel for players. Messi, also captain of Argentina, is expected to make trip to South America in order to represent La Albiceleste next month. 

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Lionel Messi to miss El Clasico if he plays for Argentina next month

Argentina national team will face Ecuador on October 8 and Bolivia on October 13 in  games which will be vital in ir quest to qualify for  Qatar World Cup in 2022. More so, this is potentially last time Lionel Messi will have an opportunity to win a World Cup. games against Ecuador and Bolivia were originally scheduled to take place earlier this year in March, but were postponed because of  pandemic and will w take place during  second week of October.

However, under current regulations in Spain, anyone returning from South America is required to remain in quarantine for 14 days, meaning Lionel Messi won't be able to play in any LaLiga matches during that time period.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid isn't only game Lionel Messi could miss upon return to Catalonia

first Barcelona vs Real Madrid clash this season will take place on October 25 but Lionel Messi could miss a total of three games for Blaugrana once he returns to Spain from South America. Messi could potentially miss games against Getafe, Real Madrid and Alaves in LaLiga.  

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