Champions League: Barcelona forward Lionel Messi fit to play Bayern Munich in semi-final

The World Player of the Year missed Barca's win at the weekend

Lionel Messi behind team-mates Xavi and Iniesta (GETTY IMAGES)

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has recovered sufficiently from a hamstring strain to feature in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Bayern Munich, sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said today.

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The Argentine World Player of the Year sat out Saturday's 1-0 La Liga win at home to Levante and has not yet been given the all-clear by medical staff but was included in the squad for the clash at the Allianz Arena.

"Messi is with the team and he is able to compete, although that's a decision for the coaching staff," Zubizarreta said on Barca's website (http://www.fcbarcelona.es).

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

Barca host Bayern for the return leg on May 1 and the successful side will meet Borussia Dortmund or Real Madrid in next month's final at London's Wembley stadium.

Reuters