Messi Out For Three Weeks As Barca, Atletico Share Spoils

The 29-year-old Argentine limped off in the 59th minute after suffering a ruptured adductor in his groin, and was replaced by Arda Turan.

Messi’s latest injury has come shortly after the groin problem he picked up when playing for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay earlier this month.

The forward sat out Argentina’s game against Venezuela and then Barcelona’s Liga match against Alaves while he recovered. He returned last week to score a hat trick in a 7-0 win against Celtic in the Champions League and then added two goals in the 5-1 win over Leganes on Saturday.

A statement on Barcelona’s website said the Argentina international would miss the league games against Sporting Gijon and Celta Vigo and the Champions League clash against Borussia Monchengladbach.

“Leo Messi has torn the groin muscle in his right leg. He will be out of action for approximately three weeks,” Barcelona officials said in a statement.

He would however be available for the Catalan club’s meeting with Manchester City at Camp Nou on 19 October.

“To lose Lionel Messi means football loses and we lose,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique.

“Now we have to look for other solutions. With Leo we are much stronger, but without him we are still a strong team.”

Ivan Rakitic nodded Barca ahead in the 41st minute but the home side lost control after the break following an injury to midfielder Sergio Busquets and Angel Correa fired in the equaliser in the 61st, shortly after Messi had come off.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s record-equalling 16-game La Liga win streak came to an end as Villarreal drew 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid remain top of La Liga on 13 points. Sevilla are second on 11 points, Barcelona third on nine points while Atletico are fourth, on eight points.