Messi snapped in the supermarket as his recovery remains on track

Barcelona’s Argentine star Lionel Messi is the big absence when the Catalan side take on Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Wednesday in Germany. A groin injury has impeded the 29-year-old from travelling and he will stay in Spain to continue his recovery.  

Messi’s aim is to be back in action as soon as possible, although without taking any risks. This week he’s been at the club’s training ground every day in Sant Joan Despi. For now, his work is limited to the gym. He’s not expected to be seen on the Tito Vilanova pitch or running until at least next week. 

Things are on track, though, and it’s hoped he will be in condition to return for the La Liga game against Deportivo La Coruna in the middle of October. That game arrives just before Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City visit in the Champions League. 

While he recovers, and due to not taking part in the Champions League this week, Messi’s had more time to catch up with his domestic chores. He’s been photographed with a fan doing his weekly shop in a supermarket in Castelldefels, where he lives just outside of Barcelona.