Messi Replaced in 59th Minute

In the second leg of the Copa del Rey against Celta Vigo, the Camp Nou witnessed something that supporters have not been used to seeing for a long time: Messi leaving the field because of the coach’s decision before the hour mark.

He was replaced in the 59th minute by Ousmane Dembele, and the last time Messi left the pitch that early was on September 29, 2007 against Levante - 302 games ago, Marca reported.

On that occasion, Barcelona was already leading 4-0 and the Argentine had scored the fourth. Immediately afterwards, he was replaced with Gio dos Santos.

Up to 59th minute of the game with Celta Vigo, Messi scored two goals and assisted another one. He netted both goals in the first half of the game. His pass in the 28th minute to Jordi Alba resulted in another goal for the team. Barca thrashed its rival 5-0 at the end.