MUNICH, Germany — Lionel Messi was in Barcelona’s starting lineup against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals after doctors cleared him to play.
The four-time world player of the year injured a hamstring on April 2 and has missed three Spanish league games. He entered in the 62nd minute of the quarterfinals second leg against Paris Saint-Germain on April 10 and sparked Barcelona to a victory in the home-and-home matchup.
Messi was joined by Alexi Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez in Barcelona’s front line Tuesday night. Marc Barta started with Gerard Pique in central defence.