Messi selection will be decided following final training session

Barcelona forward and world player of the year Lionel Messi, who has been struggling with a hamstring strain, is likely to face Bayern Munich in tonight’s Champions League tie but his participation will be decided after a final training session, the Catalans said.

“I wouldn’t like to venture a definitive answer, but in these last few days, the injury has evolved well and we have a good sensation,” Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura told a news conference.

“But we will wait and see what happens in training. We have won important games without him but it will be important to have him in the team,” added Roura.

The Argentine – who set a LA Liga record of scoring in 19 straight league matches before picking up an injury in the Champions League quarter-final first leg tie with Paris Saint-Germain – sat out Saturday’s 1-0 La Liga win at home to Levante and travelled with the squad for the semi-final first leg match.

“Messi is with the team and he is able to compete, although that’s a decision for the coaching staff,” sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said on Barca’s official club website.

“We will not forego having the best possible team on the pitch,” added the former Barca and Spain goalkeeper.

Midfielder Xavi added: “He is vital for us and if he is in good form, it’s an extra guarantee for the team.”

Meanwhile Barca defender Gerard Pique says the era when German teams always came out on top is over and Spain have replaced them as the dominant force in the world game.

“The period when football was defined as a sport of 11 against 11 which the Germans always won is behind us,” said Pique. “And it is us who has ended it. It’s true that they (Bayern) are a great rival but nobody should forget that we are still a great team.”