article_snippet.sent: Jordi Alba was injured playing for Spain, so Adriano Correia started in Jordi Alba stead.
article_snippet.sent: Messi, meanwhile, was dragged round the United States with Argentina, sidelined because of an inflamed foot which left Messi unable to put Messi boots on.
article_snippet.sent: Messi managed to do that here, but Messi presence was barely noticed on the pitch.
article_snippet.sent: With rival Cristiano Ronaldo scoring an incredible five goals earlier, Messi was left frustrated in Messi quest for the golden boot, with the Madrid man four strikes ahead of Messi on 36.
article_snippet.sent: Messi hasn't shown Messi to be the sentimental type, but the former Celta Vigo manager gave Rafinha Alcantara a rare start against the team which Messi played for, both before moving to Barcelona at 13, and last season on loan.
article_snippet.sent: However, Messi failed to impress and made way for the legendary Xavi early in the second half.
article_snippet.sent: Javier Mascherano was suspended for accumulating too many yellow cards, as is Javier Mascherano wont, but luckily for Barcelona was fit enough to start for the first time in over a month.
article_snippet.sent: Maybe the Brazilian's mind is elsewhere, with Dani Alves contract expiring in the summer, but physically Dani Alves seems less capable too.
article_snippet.sent: Messi and Neymar react after another missed opportunity during a frustrating evening for the duo .