Andres Iniesta claims Barcelona will survive without Lionel Messi
Andres Iniesta says Barcelona can cope in Lionel Messi’s absence by coming together as a team
Lionel Messi suffered another groin injury in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Diego Simone’s Atletico Madrid, and the striker has been ruled out for three weeks.
Earlier this month, the striker missed Argentina’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Venezuela as he recovered from a torn abductor.
Can the Blaugrana cope without the five-time Ballon d’Or winner? Iniesta certainly think so.
The 32-year-old revealed at an event to promote his new book: “The team is stronger with Messi than without him, but it is the squad as a whole that wins titles,”
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“We all wish he could play these next few games, but unforeseen circumstances do happen.”
Although there is no timetable set for his return, the Argentine could possibly feature in Barcelona’s Champions League match against Manchester City on October 19th.
But prior to that, Barca will visit Sporting Gijon, Borussia Monchengladbach and Celta Vigo before the October’s international break.
Barcelona must now manage Messi’s injury orderly as it could linger for months.
Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza slammed Barca for not taking care of Messi on Thursday, stating: “Barcelona always sends us messages saying that we must take care of Messi, but they don’t take care of him very well,” Bauza told Fox Sports. “It is strange that they make him play in all their matches.
“We received the official report from Barcelona. To us, that seems strange because three weeks is not enough time to repair a torn abductor,” Bauza told ESPN Radio. “We haven’t yet been able to speak with him, but we want to know how serious the injury is.
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“Barcelona have made it more complicated for us. They posted an official statement and at the moment that is all we have to go on. Our team doctors are waiting on the MRI to know the official grade of the injury.
“Apparently, studies have been done and we are waiting on those results, which will be sent to our national team doctors. That way we will have a more definitive answer.”
Messi’s injury is a huge blow for the club. Since making his debut in 2004, the 29-year-old has led the Camp Nou outfit to eight league titles and four Champions League crowns.