Bad News For Barcelona As Lionel Messi Is Set To Miss La Liga Opener

Barcelona could be without Lionel Messi for their opening La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao after he picked up a calf injury on his return to training.

Messi who returned to Barcelona's training today after he was given an extended break due to his exertions with Argentina at the Copa America complained of discomfort in his right leg.

As a result of the injury, the 32-year-old will miss Barca's American tour where they will face Napoli. He will undergo a test to determine the severity of the injury, but he is likely to miss the opening La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona confirmed Messi's injury on their site with a statement saying; First team player Leo Messi, who had returned from his summer break for training on Monday, withdrew from the session due to discomfort in his right leg. Tests carried out have diagnosed a Grade 1 calf strain for the Argentine.

https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1158320545538158592

Messi will remain in Barcelona and will now not travel to the USA for the club's tour. His availability to come back to action will be dictated by his recovery from the injury.