<
        >

          Lionel Messi a second-half sub for Barcelona in Clasico showdown at Real Madrid

          • ESPN staffNov 21, 2015, 11:21 AM ET

          Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi came on as a substitute in Saturday's Clasico at Real Madrid and made his first appearance for two months.

          When he came on in the 56th minute, Barcelona were already ahead 3-0 thanks to goals from Luis Suarez, Neymar and Andres Iniesta.

          Messi had not played since injuring a knee ligament in late September, but he returned to training during the international break.

          On Friday, club doctors gave Messi medical clearance to play at the Bernabeu if coach Luis Enrique chose to select him for the starting lineup.

          It was the first time he has not started a Clasico since 2007.

          Messi's club teammate Luis Suarez this week said "the feelings are very positive" that the Argentina captain would be able to play against Barca's greatest rivals.

          But speaking on Friday, Luis Enrique had said he would base his final decision on how Messi felt shortly before the match.

          "Whether Messi plays or not -- I prefer him to play, of course -- the great news is that he is fit again," he said. "When will I make the decision about Messi starting or not? It'll be decided an hour before the game.

          "Only the player can tell you how he is feeling."

          For Real Madrid, midfielder James Rodriguez and forward Karim Benzema each returned to the starting XI for the first time since their respective injury layoffs.

          James had not started since an Aug. 29 5-0 victory over Real Betis, while Benzema's last start in a Real shirt came on Oct. 4 in the 1-1 draw with city rivals Atletico Madrid.

          Barcelona were forced into using one of their three substitutions early in the game when Javier Mascherano came off with an injury and Jeremy Mathieu replaced him.