Lionel Messi could have played final Barcelona game after being given permission to take holiday early and miss Eibar

LIONEL MESSI has played his final game for Barcelona this season, and possibly ever, after being granted permission to miss tomorrow’s season-ender against Eibar.

Ronald Koeman’s side have no chance of winning the title, having blown recent games against Granada, Atletico Madrid, Levante and Celta Vigo.

So with nothing on the line, Barca have opted to allow their talisman to miss training today, as well as tomorrow’s game, in order to take an early holiday.

The decision has been made in order to keep Messi fresh for next month’s Copa America, with the Argentine hoping to finally get his hands on the prestigious trophy.

But, having still not penned a new deal, this means that last weekend’s dismal 2-1 home defeat to Celta could have been Messi’s last game for the club, should he opt to leave.

Fans, however, are optimistic that the 33-year-old will stay, following the club election victory of Joan Laporta, and the imminent arrival of pal Sergio Aguero from Manchester City.

Despite sitting out of the final game, Messi is already assured of his latest LaLiga golden boot trophy, with his 30 strikes this term seven ahead of nearest challenger Gerardo Moreno.

Despite constant speculation over his future, as well as a turbulent season on and off the pitch at Barca, Messi has still managed to stack up 38 goals in all competitions.

Koeman’s men disappointed in LaLiga and the Champions League, but did recently beat Athletic Bilbao 4-0 to win the Copa del Rey – Messi’s seventh with the club.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been heavily linked with both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, following his attempt to leave the club last summer.

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But, now largely expected to stay, it appears Messi will work under his ninth different permanent manager at the club next term – with Koeman ’99 per cent’ certain to be sacked – according to RAC1.

Messi’s old pal Xavi has been linked with the club, having cut his managerial teeth at Al-Sadd.

While Leo jets off for his holiday over the weekend, he has already enjoyed some quality time off the pitch this week.

The Barca star, alongside wife Antonela, caught up with former team-mate Luis Suarez and his spouse Sofia Balbi over a meal.

Unlike Messi, Suarez does have something big to play for this weekend, with Atleti leading Real Madrid by two points going into LaLiga’s final day.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk