Messi out for three weeks with groin injury

The Barcelona talisman will almost certainly miss out the Champions League tie against Borussia Monchengladbach plus trips to Sporting Gijon and Celta Vigo

Posted Thursday, September 22, 2016 by Goal.com

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been ruled out for three weeks with a groin injury he picked up in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine pulled up lame shortly after the hour mark in the La Liga clash after tussling with Diego Godin for the ball, immediately clutching his right leg.

Messi's groin injury was initially feared to be an old problem he first picked up on international duty, and he now looks a certainty to miss the Champions League clash against Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 29-year-old will also be absent for clashes at Sporting Gijon and Celta Vigo, and is in a race against time to be fit for the visit of Manchester City to the Camp Nou in late October.

[BREAKING NEWS] Leo Messi has groin strain in his right leg and he will be out for around 3 weeks
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 21, 2016

"To lose Messi means that football loses. With Messi we are stronger, but we will continue being strong," Barcelona coach Luis Enrique told reporters after the match.

Messi sustained a groin problem during international duty with Argentina and only played 30 minutes in the recent shock 2-1 loss to Alaves as Luis Enrique attempted to give him some extra rest.

Barcelona's woes were compounded against Atletico as Sergio Busquets also had to be substituted in the second half, though Andres Iniesta has confirmed it was only due to a fever.

Wednesday's draw saw the Spanish champions fall three points behind leaders Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.