Injury rules out Messi of Argentina-Italy clash

Lionel Messi

The reigning FIFA World Player of the year Lionel Messi who was named in the Argentina’s squad by national coach Alejandro Sabella, was forced to return to Barcelona so that he could fully recover from the injury he had suffered in the pre-season friendlies.

The Barcelona forward had missed the the last match of Barcelona’s pre-season tour of Asia because of the problem. The Blaugrana will be hoping that further convalescence will help him regain fitness for their opening game at home against Levante on Sunday.

A statement on Barcelona’s official website read:

“Leo Messi will not feature in the international friendly between Argentina and Italy in Rome this Wednesday.

“After undergoing tests conducted by the Argentina national team doctors, it was decided that Messi should return to Barcelona and focus on recovering from his muscle injury.”

The 26-year-old is an important part of the Catalan giants and is a key player and his recovery will be closely monitored.