Messi set on coming back even stronger after groin injury

Madrid - Five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi insists he will bounce back "even stronger" from a groin injury that is set to keep him sidelined for three weeks.

Messi limped off after an hour of Barcelona's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and is expected to miss Barcelona's next three games at Sporting Gijon, Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League and Celta Vigo.

The Argentina captain will also be absent for World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay early next month.

"I now have to rest for a few days before coming back even stronger," Messi posted on his official Facebook page. "I would also like to thank everyone who has sent me their best wishes."

He was especially grateful to Monchengladbach, who posted a message of support in Spanish to Messi on the club's Twitter account.

"What a shame. We would have liked to see on Wednesday with FC Barcelona at Borrusia-Park. Get well soon Lionel Messi!" The Bundesliga club posted on Thursday.

"Many thanks to Borussia Monchengladbach for their message of support! A really nice gesture from the club," added Messi.

Barcelona is hopeful its talisman will be fit in time to face old boss Pep Guardiola when Manchester City visits the Camp Nou on October 19.