Messi doubtful for second leg against PSG





Lionel Messi is a doubt for next week’s Champions League quarter-final second leg with Paris Saint-Germain after tests confirmed he has suffered a thigh injury.

The Argentine was withdrawn at half-time in the 2-2 draw at Parc des Princes on Tuesday after suffering a hamstring injury shortly after putting Barcelona in front on the night.

He has since undergone tests on the problem, and the club have confirmed he has a problem with his right femoral bicep, ruling him out of Saturday’s Liga match with Mallorca, leaving his participation against PSG in doubt.

“Tests have confirmed that Leo Messi has a muscle injury in the femoral bicep of his right leg,” a club statement read.

“He is out for the Liga match on Saturday, and his rate of recovery will determine his availability for subsequent commitments.”

The player himself moved to assure fans that the injury was not serious, and wished team-mate Javier Mascherano a speedy recovery from his own knee problem.

“I will return so, thankfully it was not so serious,” he said on his Facebook page.

“We feel very sorry for Masche [Mascherano], and wish him strength so that he can return quickly.”