Argentine striker and Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi was injured on Sunday evening in Barca's 1-0 win over Villareal. Messi's talents were needed in the match as Brazilian star, Neymar, did not start the match, but came in later as a substitute. Messi missed two opportunities to score after hitting the post twice, but assisted on the game winning goal on the 82ndminute to 19-year-old super sub, Sandro Ramirez. It was Ramirez's debut with Barcelona and his first ever La Liga goal.
Messi was injured minutes later on a challenge and immediately appeared to grab his hamstring. It was later confirmed by the club, that the injury was not to his hamstring, but his right hip. "Messi has pulled an abductor muscle in his right hip, and precautionary measures will be required," said the team in a statement after the game. "Tests on Tuesday should be able to determine the full extent of the injury. "
In the meantime, Messi stayed behind in Barcelona to undergo further tests on Tuesday, while his Argentina National teammates are headed to Dusseldorf, Germany for a rematch of the World Cup Final game in Brazil in July. Germany won that game 1-0 thanks to a Mario Goetze goal in extra time, and the rematch on Wednesday was gaining considerable hype, especially with Messi on the pitch. Messi's absence will surely quiet some of the excitement surrounding the friendly, but the game, which will air on ESPNDeportes should still have plenty of viewers.
Thankfully, Messi was able to finish the game against Villareal on Sunday and hopefully, the four-time Balloon D'Or winner won't miss significant time. With international friendlies on track for the next couple weeks, chances are Messi will miss at least two weeks and possibly be able to return for Barcelona's next La Liga match on Sept. 13 against Athletic Bilbao.
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