Leo Messi is certainly not one to feign injury, which is why his several pauses during Barcelona's 1-0 win over Real Madrid will have concerned both club and country.
The Argentine appeared to experience discomfort in the thigh area which has caused him problems throughout his career, particularly last year.
Although he did not hide his gestures of pain, that did not stop him from playing, although the back-to-back Clasicos were not his best displays.
Messi appeared well enough to spray a cross field pass but less able to sprint into the area to be on the receiving end of a cross from Ousmane Dembele or Luis Suarez.
Ernesto Valverde has given his squad two days of rest after two big wins against Real Madrid as a demanding run of matches are set to ensue.
With no word from the coach on Messi, the speculation is that he will miss the game against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga Santander in order to be at 100 percent against Lyon in the Champions League.
The national team in between
On 7 March, Lionel Scaloni will announce his Argentina squad for the friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco, to be played on 22 and 26 March respectively.
Messi is likely to be called up and is said to be set to accept the call, as long as he is in optimal physical condition.
blankie
59
Hope you heal quick, Lionel..🐐..I know you will be available against Lyon..😊...Heal Quick and use your Messique magical powers to heal your ownself..😌
danny7_ida
55
When I saw this The first thing that came to my mind was ramos
Musamessi
42
plzzz be fit Messi otherwise I am gonna be like
ciudelp
39
its ok sometimes media needs to say s.th when there is not really much to say, just to keep people occupied or give hope to the losing side. everyone saw the dressing room after the game and messi was one of the happiest players.