Off to another brilliant start in 2013, Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi continues to play at the highest of levels while maintaining the title of world's best soccer player. With 11 goals in 9 total starts, the 25-year-old is a major reason why Barcelona is currently tied with Atletico Madrid for the top spot in La Liga. In 7 league matches, Barca posts a perfect record of 7-0-0, matching the record and point total (21) of Los Rojiblancos, the league's third place finisher a season ago.
Despite the fact that Messi and Barca are off to a tremendous start this season, multiple reports indicate that the four-time Ballon d'Or award winner will be sidelined with a significant thigh injury. Expected to miss 2-3 weeks after suffering the injury in Barca's recent 2-0 win over Almeria, Messi will be out for a challenging slate of games that includes this week's showdowns with Real Valladolid and Celtic, a team that defeated the La Liga giants last season in Glasgow.
"Leo Messi has a small injury to the biceps femoris (thigh) in his right leg," the club said in a statement. "This was confirmed by medical tests undertaken by the player on Sunday morning at Medical Services Sport City. The Argentinian will be out for approximately two to three weeks, which will certainly force him to miss Barcelona's two games this week, on Tuesday against Celtic and next Saturday at the Camp Nou against Valladolid."
With Messi shelved for the next few Barcelona matches, Celtic boss Neil Lennon feels for the world's top player because he will not be able to participate in a match that grabbed the attention of soccer fans a year ago when the Scottish club took down the La Liga giants. Lennon - who has been with Celtic as club manager since 2010 - also noted that Messi's absence will give Celtic a better chance for a repeat performance.
"It is obviously very good news for us because he is the best player in the world," Lennon said recently. "However, it is tinged with sadness because it is always fantastic to see the great players play here in Glasgow. We are looking forward to the game, we welcome Barcelona with open arms and we are hoping it is going to be another great occasion."
In addition to Messi's injury, Barcelona manager Gerardo Martinez will have to endure the upcoming match against Celtic without the services of defenders Carles Puyol, Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba since each is currently battling injuries of their own.
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