Lionel Messi surprisingly absent from line-up for 'first ever El Clasico in Japan' as Barcelona & Real Madrid legends prepare to face off in Andres Iniesta's farewell match

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner sent records tumbling across his iconic spell at Camp Nou. Messi plundered 672 goals for the Blaugrana, helping them to 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. Much of that success was enjoyed alongside fellow La Masia academy graduate and World Cup winner Andres Iniesta.

With ex-Spain international Iniesta choosing to hang up his boots at 40 years of age, an exhibition match has been arranged in honour of an all-time great midfielder that spent five years with Vissel Kobe after bidding farewell to Barca in 2018.

A contest that is being billed as "A Historic Match: The First-Ever 'El Clasico' in Japan" will take place at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo on December 15, with iconic stars from Barcelona and Real Madrid’s illustrious histories preparing to take to the field.

The likes of Xavi, Rivaldo, Javier Mascherano, Rafa Marquez, Bojan Krkic, Adriano, Ludovic Giuly, Javier Saviola, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, Iker Casillas, Julio Baptista, Steve McManaman, Savio and Ivan Campo will all be involved, but there is no Messi.

The Argentine icon has seen his schedule cleared on the back of Inter Miami’s shock defeat to Atlanta United in the MLS Cup play-offs. He could have joined Iniesta’s “Last Dance” in Asia, but will be watching on from afar as he enjoys the post-season break in America.