Lionel Messi a doubt for Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Bayern after sitting out training with foot injury
LIONEL MESSI is a doubt for Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich because of a foot injury.
The Argentinian star, 33, picked up the knock during the 3-1 win over Napoli last week, according to Spanish outlet Cope.
Messi was caught by Kalidou Koulibaly during the game, which resulted in a penalty.
Luis Suarez stepped up to score with Messi receiving treatment on the sidelines.
The injury forced the superstar winger to sit out Barcelona training on Sunday.
Messi could now miss Friday night’s quarter-final clash against the Bundesliga champions, who beat Chelsea 7-1 on aggregate in their last-16 tie.
However, the report states Messi’s absence at training was a mere precaution.
READY FOR BAYERN?
He may yet miss another session or two, but is expected to be ready for Friday’s clash of the titans.
The Barcelona ace was instrumental in his side’s last-16 win over Napoli last week.
Messi scored a stunning goal while lying on the floor after being forced to the ground after a typically scintillating solo run.
But as well as his on-pitch antics, Messi rallied his troops at half-time, urging them to not be “a***holes”.
The veteran played as his side were humiliated by Liverpool, throwing away a 3-0 first-leg lead, last season in the Champions League.
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And he was desperate to avoid another slip-up, heard shouting in the Nou Camp tunnel: “We are going to come out strong.
“We have a two-goal lead, let’s not be a***holes.
“Now we have to be calmer than ever.”