Lionel Messi will miss his second straight La Liga game for Barcelona after suffering another injury setback just two days before the domestic champions’ trip to Osasuna. Messi sat out last week as Barca thrashed Real Betis 5-2 to register their first victory of this La Liga season. The 32-year-old is still recovering from the calf injury he sustained during Copa America with Argentina and is yet to make his first appearance for the Catalan club. The club captain was primed to be fit for the Osasuna game but has now reportedly been ruled out with another injury. Lionel Messi Hails Team Barcelona After Beating Real Betis by 5-2 in La Lia 2019.

According to a report from The UK Mail, the attacking forward has been closely working with the club physios at Barcelona to get back to fitness as soon as possible but is certain to miss the Osasuna vs Barcelona game after struggling to get back to fitness on time. Meanwhile, Spanish outlet AS mentioned that Messi was pictured training alone away from the rest of the Barca squad. He was seen working alone with a physiotherapist on Monday. Lionel Messi’s Son Mateo Celebrates a Goal by Real Betis; Luiz Suarez has an Epic Reaction (Watch Video).

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde revealed that there wasn’t a ‘positive feeling’ regarding Messi’s recovery following his side’s first La Liga victory this season. Stating the Argentine’s importance to his Barca team, Valverde said, “We already said that we wouldn't rush any player [and] what we wanted to avoid was a relapse.”

Meanwhile, A Messi and Suarez less Barca side trampled Real Betis 5-0 in their opening La Liga match at home this season. Barcelona were handed a shock 0-1 defeat by Athletic Bilbao in their opening league encounter. But they bounced back in style, with new signing Antoine Griezmann scoring a brace on his first game at Camp Nou. Carles Perez also scored his debut Barca goal, while Jordi Alba and Arturo Vidal added to Betis’ humiliation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2019 04:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).