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Messi foot injury a concern as return to Liga action beckons

Xinhua, April 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

Leo Messi is a major doubt for FC Barcelona's return to league action this coming weekend after Argentina coach, "Tata" Martino admitted the striker has been suffering from a foot injury.

Messi's injury caused him to miss Argentina's friendly win over Ecuador in New Jersey on Tuesday night and he must now be considered a major doubt as Barca prepare to visit Celta Vigo on Sunday where they seek to defend their four-point lead at the top of the BBVA Primera Liga table.

"We waited to see if Messi would be fit until the last moment, but he couldn't play," said Martino, who last season coached Barca.

"He found it really hard to even tie his laces and he was not in condition to play," added the coach.

Messi is thought to have suffered his injury in Barcelona's Champions League win over Manchester City, four days before they defeated Real Madrid in the "Clasico" in the Camp Nou Stadium.

The Argentinean had a relatively quiet game as his side defeated Madrid to open a four point lead over their rivals. With Sunday's visit to Vigo, followed just three days later with a home game against Almeria, Barca will want to start treating their star player as soon as possible. Endi