Lionel Messi to be back by Sunday

Lionel Messi had to be carted off the Camp Nou pitch last night after he was involving in a collision with Benfica‘s keeper, Arthur.

Manager Tito Vilanova subbed him in at the 85-minute mark after he was collided with the goalkeeper. The Argentinian then immediately pulled up clutching the back of his leg and was carried off on a stretcher, leaving the home team with 10 men having already made their three changes.

A radio channel Radio Catalunya revealed post match that the injury was merely a knee bruise, and it is possible that Messi could recover in time for Barcelona‘s next game. Although he was carried off on a stretcher, according to recent reports, the injury isn’t too serious, but he is scheduled for a precautionary MRI.

Lionel Messi later posted on Facebook:

I want to thank all of you for your messages of support! I can tell you about the Press Release from FC Barcelona Medical Department. ‘Messi has a bruise on the outside of his left knee. He’ll undergo further tests to determine the exact extent of the injury.’ I thank all of you for your concern and messages of encouragement! I pass the medical services of the club release: “tonight tests have confirmed that the player Leo Messi suffered a bone bruise on the outside of your left knee.” “The clinical evolution will mark his availability for the next game, Sunday against Betis, as reported by the medical services.”

“Messi’s injury is nothing bad, which means he’ll not be out for a long time. If he can’t play against Betis on Sunday, so be it,” said Tito Vilanova later.

Leo is very likely to break Gerd Müller’s record, with just one goal away from equaling the 85-goals streak record.