Lionel Messi Injury Latest News Update: Lionel Messi has not featured for Barcelona this season up until now starting with the pre-season friendly in the USA. The Catalonian skipper injured his calf muscle during the team’s first training session after getting back from the holidays. What was initially thought to be a minor problem has now seen the Argentinian miss more than a month of football. But there is now some positive news on the injury front with Lionel Messi expected to feature against Valencia post the international break gets over. Lionel Messi Ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in Leaked FIFA 2020 Rankings.

Barcelona have had a draw and defeat in their first three games which is not the kind of start the Spanish champions were after. Ernesto Valverde needs a spark in the team, and that is none other than his captain – Lionel Messi. In his absence, there is too much workload on Antoine Griezmann and the Frenchman has found it tough to deal with. Once Messi is back in the team, one can expect the front three of Barcelona to thrive playing in front of a playmaker of the calibre of Lionel Messi. He has been training alone under the watchful eyes of the club doctors. There were concerns about a possible relapse of the muscle problem, but those have been dismissed.

Valencia beat Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey last season, and another slip-up may see Ernesto Valverde fearing for the worst. With 28 goals and 13 assists in 33 games against Valencia, Lionel Messi boast of a record that can send shivers down their spine. It will be interesting to see if the Catalonian talisman starts or comes off the bench in the game. But whatever be the case, his presence is a massive lift for the squad.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2019 07:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).