Lionel Messi fit for Levante

Lionel Messi has been given the all-clear to play in Barcelona's opening game of the Spanish league season on Sunday.

The Argentinian has recovered from a strained muscle in his left leg sustained last week and is available for the match at home to Levante.

The 26-year-old missed several games towards the end of last season due to a nagging right hamstring injury.

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas and striker Pedro Rodriguez have also recovered from injury in time to play for the defending champions.

Martino: “I’m waiting for Puyol”

FC Barcelona manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino gave a press conference before the game against Levante on Sunday.

Ahead of his first official game as Barcelona manager, Martino said: “The main concern is to play well and win. It’s essential in order to build confidence and send out a message. I want Barça to be good as soon as possible. We’ll try and do things well right from the first moment. That’s the starting point.”

Martino also talked about the centre back issues: “I’m waiting for Puyol. He’s working hard on field training and it’s likely that from September onwards he’ll be able to train normally. I know what the club’s position was. What I’m saying is that if ‘Puyi’ is OK, then with Piqué, Bartra, Mascherano and Adriano or Busquets we’re fine. And if something happens, we have the winter transfer window in three months’ time. The problems we had last year in defence were all due to injury. If they’re all fit, we have alternatives.
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