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Barcelona star Messi to be fit for Martino debut

Barcelona coach Tata Martino expects Lionel Messi to be fit for today's opener against Levante.

Martino had concerns their Argentinian talisman would be forced to sit out his first league match as Barca boss due to a quadriceps injury.

However, Messi - alongside goalkeeper Victor Valdes and full-back Dani Alves, who had all trained separately on Thursday - practised normally along with the rest of the squad 24 hours later.

The fitness of the first-team trio, and Messi in particular, will be a huge boost for Martino as he bids to make an instant impact at the Nou Camp following his appointment as manager last month.

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