Losing Lionel Messi is much worse than losing two points
The Argentine's injury problems are much more worrying than the draw against Atletico Madrid
Barcelona had to take advantage of Real Madrid’s slip up against Villarreal given their loss to Alaves two weeks ago. They didn’t have it easy, though, against an Atletico side that had only conceded once in their opening four LaLiga matches. But that’s what the magic of the MSN is for. To perforate Jan Oblak’s goal.
Everything was looking OK. More than OK. Ivan Rakitic had given the Blaugrana the lead before the break with a fine header. At 1-0, a good second half was in store. An exciting one. With good football, because Barça were playing well. Extraordinarily well. Until the 59th minute arrived… Lionel Messi clutched his groin and Camp Nou fell into silence. Fear gripped all Barça fans. And with good reason.
Messi had to be taken off. He’d injured his groin in a change of pace. And as if by magic, Atletico equalised seconds after the Argentine crack was substituted. Coincidence? Maybe. But the problem was not the goal conceded, but the obligation to then score again. Without Messi. And with the psychology which comes with that. Above all keeping in mind that Sergio Busquets had also gone off with flu.
It wasn’t possible. And Barcelona lost two points. And they lost the chance to cut the gap on Madrid. But worst of all they lost Messi. His groin is giving us a lot of displeasure this season.
