Lionel Messi explains why he cannot start every game every season.

 Argentina star Lionel Messi has disclosed the reason why he cannot start every game. He believes that his body cannot handle playing in every match.

Messi now at the age of 30, feels that the non-stop football is beginning to catch up with him. - Getty

During an interview with TYC Sports, he said " I know that the season is long and that there are times that are harder than others. Time is passing by and now my body pays the price for playing in so many matches"

I discovered that sometimes, not playing is for the best.

Three times this season has he been dropped by boss Ernesto Valverde and and started the club’s last two Champions League games on the bench.

Read more - Cristiano Ronaldo beats Lionel Messi to win 2017 Ballon d'Or award.

He is expected to start from the off against Villarreal on Sunday.