Lionel Messi News: Argentine reportedly still experiencing pain after training ground tests

What's the rumour?

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi is reportedly still experiencing pain and discomfort after going through some fitness tests at the Ciutat Esportiva on Monday.

In case you didn't know...

The Argentine ace sustained a thigh injury in a collision with Valencia defender Toni Lato after a decisive display helped his side overturn a goal deficit to draw 2-2 with their opponents.

Coach Ernesto Valverde confirmed that the injury is a small one but does not know whether he will be fit enough to play in the much-awaited Copa del Rey Clasico against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Valverde said, "[Messi] has a small problem. I don't know exactly what he has."

"We will have to wait to see what medical staff say. If he's in good shape, he'll play on Wednesday [against Madrid]."

Barcelona secured their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey after their 6-1 rout of Sevilla last week while Real Madrid progressed to the next stage of the competition following a 3-1 win over Girona.

The heart of the matter

A report in AS now claims that Messi is still experiencing some discomfort in his thigh and remains doubtful for Wednesday's crucial clash.

The publication further claims that Valverde will spend the morning talking to Messi before deciding what course of action to take.

The 33-year-old had undergone a bunch of tests at the Ciutat Esportiva on Monday morning and spent the rest of the evening resting at home, where he was also visited by medical staff.

What's next?

It remains to be seen whether the club will risk their star player by starting him and possibly making his injury worse. While the first leg of the clash will be played tomorrow, the second leg has been scheduled for February 26.