'AS': Last minute call on Messi's participation in final

Apart from Ter Stegen's superb performance in the penalty shootout against Real Sociedad, the big news of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final was the absence of Barca's Leo Messi. The Argentine star watched his teammates from the stands because he had a problem in his femoral biceps. 

Messi's injury has got the club on tentahooks since everything seems to indicate he could miss the big final on Sunday against Real Madrid or Athletic Bilbao. 

However, the club and the dressing room remain hopeful that the '10' can take part. That is what 'AS' reports after talking to sources close to the club. "If it were not a final, nobody would probably think of Messi playing on Sunday," the Barca squad admit. 

Comments which have reportedly been made after Messi underwent tests on Thursday which revealed a small injury to the femoral biceps muscle in his left leg which, in normal circumstances, would see him out for up to 10 days. 

According to the report, the Argentine will try until the very last minute to try and play the match given the magnitude of this, since that could mean another title after a trophyless season. Despite that, Barca are erring on the side of caution and at the same time pessimistic over his possible presence. 

Logic would suggest that Messi cannot be fit because there is concern over aggravating it. That said, Messi himself will make the final call hours before kick-off after talking to Koeman and the medical team.