Lionel Messi on his injury worry: "I have a lot of groin pain"

Lionel Messi, Argentina's Barcelona star, says that he is having some trouble with his groin, after helping his country to a 1-0 win over Uruguay in the qualification phase for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Messi may, therefore, not feature against Venezuela in the coming game on Tuesday. "My pubis (groin) hurts a lot, I will talk to the doctor, but a lot of important games are coming, the season has just started. I don't know if I will be there against Venezuela," said the captain.

Barcelona noted he had some discomfort in that area before the game and Messi said: "I wanted to return after the fuss I caused," and thanked the fans for demanding his comeback after he sensationally quit following the Copa America.

"Today was important to start winning. The fans? They have always showed me a lot of love, I'm grateful."