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| Messi during last season Copa del Rey final against Sevilla |
Sevilla are set for their second cup final this month, the Supercopa de Espana where Barcelona's Lionel Messi is expected to star.
The Andalusians know what to expect from the Argentinian if last year is anything to go by, Luis Enrique putting him in the starting line-up in the 2015 UEFA Super Cup after he'd lost the Copa America with his country - and there was no let up.
In a final marked by a lack of spark on both sides, the forward made a real difference with two goals in the first half.
Unai Emery's team took the lead in the third minute but the advantage didn't last long, Messi equalising from a free kick in the seventh before putting them ahead in the 16th.
If the 29-year-old can make a difference with scarcely any preparation, then he is expected to achieve even more after three weeks' preseason and being highly-motivated.
Following holidays in the Bahamas and Ibiza, he joined his teammates in England and is now eager to move on from a summer marred by Argentina's performance in the Copa America as well as his tax fraud claims.
Jorge Sampaoli knows the player well from his time as Chile coach and will be aware of his very favourable record against his new side.
In 26 official games against Sevilla, the No. 10 has scored no less than 25 goals, either through his inimitable style or free kicks.
More than the goals, the man from Rosario has also been decisive in his assists against the Andalusians.
The last time these two teams met in a final - the Copa del Rey - the Ballon d'Or winner helped lead the Blaugrana to victory with two assists for Jordi Alba and Neymar to score.
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