Lionel Messi to undergo tests after being replaced at halftime vs. Bilbao
Barcelona icon Lionel Messi has reportedly suffered minor muscular discomfort and was taken out at halftime of a 6-0 thumping of Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
The Argentine scored the opening goal of the game from the penalty spot but was ultimately replaced by Arda Turan. Speaking to reporters in a postgame news conference, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique provided an update on Messi's injury status.
"He'll have testing tomorrow and we'll see," Enrique said of Messi after the match. "It looks to be nothing serious but I preferred not to risk it."
While the decision to replace Messi appears to be precautionary, it wouldn't be the first time this season that the Argentine has been sidelined: Messi missed two months of action with a torn knee ligament back in September, too.
The club also confirmed that left full-back Jordi Alba also left the match with an injury, a right hamstring issue that should have him sidelined for about 10 days.
HEADLINES
- Real Madrid stars hope Kroos will extend stay after Munich masterclass
- How Bayern rattled Madrid, and what each team can do to reach UCL final
- Kane reveals Bellingham pre-penalty mind games: 'I know you're going left'
- Vinicius reclaims spotlight with another clutch UCL performance
- Vinicius brace earns Madrid draw vs. Bayern in 1st leg of UCL semifinal