Lionel Messi picked up a knee injury in the 1-1 draw and against Atletico Madrid and is expected to be out for at least 3 weeks. While Messi’s absence is undoubtedly a huge blow to Barcelona, the Catalan side’s captain, Andres Iniesta was pretty confident of his side performing well in Messi’s absence.
Alongside journalists Marco Lopez and Ramon Besa, at the launch of his autobiography, Iniesta spoke about the whole squad coming together when a key player like Lionel Messi gets injured.
"The team is stronger with Messi than without him, but it is the squad as a whole that wins titles," Iniesta said at the event. "We all wish he could play these next few games, but unforeseen circumstances do happen."
The legendary midfielder also spoke about the original Spanish title of his autobiography “the play of my life” and why he chose it. Speaking at the event, he said:
"I'm not talking about Johannesburg or Stamford Bridge, but about my life, my trajectory, and to all of those that have helped me become a better player and person.
"When writing a book, you can change things after the fact if you don't like them. I've enjoyed and learned a lot from the process.
"For a long time, I've wanted to do something like this and share what my life is like, its most important moments, and how I have come to interpret sport and life."
With Messi out for some time, senior players like Iniesta, Suarez and Neymar will be expected to step up and lead the Blaugrana challenge.
Zidane’s Real Madrid looking to bounce back against Las Palmas
Zinedine Zidane's Real, who missed out on a La Liga record 17th straight victory when they drew 1-1 with Villarreal on Wednesday, visit Las Palmas on Saturday. Real talisman Cristiano Ronaldo failed to find the net against Villarreal but Zidane was unconcerned.
"I'm not worried if he doesn't score," said the French coach. "I'm worried when he isn't out on the pitch. "What matters is for him to regain his form because he'll always get goals."L
as Palmas striker Kevin-Prince Boateng was sent off in a 4-1 defeat at Real Sociedad on Wednesday and is suspended. Atletico host Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday and will be in positive mood following Angel Correa's second-half equaliser against Barca.
Second-placed Sevilla travel on Saturday to Athletic Bilbao who are riding a three-game winning streak in La Liga.Unbeaten Sevilla, 1-0 winners over city rivals Real Betis on Tuesday, are two points behind Real Madrid after five matches.
For more news and stories like this, click here
