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Argentina was absent while their team was down 2-0 against Sevilla in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey
For Lionel Messi, rest is not the reason why Barcelona lost 2-0 to Sevilla in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday, said Luis Suarez.
Messi, who left the bench to help Barca beat Leganes in La Liga this weekend, was left out by Ernesto Valverde for the trip to Sevilla, Barca's boss having an eye on the match. Champions League against Lyon next month.
The goals of Pablo Sarabia and Wissam Ben Yedder in the second half gave the victory to Sevilla, although Valverde replaced Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Jordi Alba.
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Barcelona have lost two of eight games they have played without Messi this season, in all competitions, against two of 24 defeats played.
But Suarez can not blame Messi the absence of Messi for the defeat of Barca, the holders of the Copa del Rey are also forced to return from the back in the last round against Levante.
"Leo was not in other games and we took over the responsibility of the team and we moved the games forward," Suarez said. "Today was not an excuse, I hope Leo is in the second leg because it makes a difference.
"The month of January is the most difficult of all, the cup is important but scoring is an extra, and we must also think about the future of the Champions League.
"We have a lot of players and we have enough to overcome."
Barca defender, Gerard Piqué, has been reluctant to Messi's claim he should play in the return match next Wednesday.
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"We have a very competitive team and the coach wants us all to participate," said Pique.
"The performance was good but they took advantage of their chances.
"Messi in the return? It's the coach's decision."
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