Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez 'stunned by decision to start Andre Gomes'

Barcelona attacking duo Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reportedly questioned Ernesto Valverde's decision to start Andre Gomes in the crunch La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid.

The Portugal international was surprisingly included in the Catalan giants' starting XI, despite not featuring from the off in a league game this term prior to Saturday's trip to the Wanda Metropolitano.

With the likes of Paulinho, Sergi Roberto and Denis Suarez all overlooked for selection, Spanish publication Diario Gol suggests that Messi and Suarez were stunned by Valverde's big selection gamble.

The report hints that the pair instead wanted Denis Suarez to be given the nod, although the Spain international - with two assists and two goals to his name this term - remained an unused sub.

Barca went on to earn a credible 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital as Luis Suarez struck to cancel out Saul Niguez's first-half opener.