Lionel Messi Injury Rumors: Argentinian Playing Through Pain But Barcelona Not Worried

Lionel Messi is currently suffering from a minor leg injury, but Barcelona is not bothered at this point, sources have revealed.

After reportedly being fed up with Barcelona’s incompetent performances, Messi and a resurgent Barca managed to bounce back in their last few games. However, it was quite obvious that Messi has been playing a different game for the club. Many believe that the Argentine has decided to relax and step back a bit, but apparently, there was more to the sudden change in Leo’s pacing.

According to ESPN, sources confirmed that Messi has been struggling with a thigh problem for several weeks. However, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to play through the pain barrier with Barcelona's attacking options severely depleted.

Sources at the club also said there are no major long-term concerns about Messi’s discomfort, but it creates some sort of awareness that it needs to be managed carefully.

The 32-year-old superstar should be fit to play against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday in the Copa del Rey but some say that Messi is showing signs of fatigue lately.

Reports claim that one possible cause of Messi’s minor leg injury was the sudden change in Barcelona’s training sessions. Quique Setién has replaced Ernesto Valverde as the manager of the club and his training routines reportedly has had a negative impact on Messi.

"The sessions are different and some of the drills are more intense. Some players seem to be feeling the fatigue a bit more and that's when the pain can appear,” a source revealed.

Messi was involved in all five goals against Leganés in the Copa del Rey and in both goals against Levante. After all the drama, he continues to churn out some good performances. Even though it is evident that this isn’t the Messi in his best form, h e has scored 19 goals in all competition this season in 24 games.

Adding to his impressive record was a back-to-back assist to Ansu Fati in Sunday’s victory against Levante. Fati, who is viewed as Messi’s possible Barcelona successor made history with the said goals.

The 17-year-old scored a brace during Barca's 2-1 win at Camp Nou to become the youngest player ever to score a double in La Liga. The two monumental goals for Fati and two assists for Messi proved that the pair could be the next best thing Barcelona fans would be looking forward to.