Ten days before facing Celtic in the Champions League Lionel Messi is an injury doubt for Barcelona.
The 29-year-old scored the only goal of the game in Argentina’s win over Uruguay on Thursday night but will miss Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela and return to Barcelona for treatment.
Messi struggled with groin problems throughout last season with both his club and country hoping that there is no repeat.
After the win over Uruguay new Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza said: “Leo is in pain, unfortunately he will not be able to play the next game.
“He has an inflammation and we cannot take risks. We were talking with him, with the doctor, and it is advisable to rest. Tomorrow he will be with the group, but will not participate in the next match.”
On Saturday Barca face Deportivo Alves with coach Luis Enrique waiting for his squad to return from all corners of the earth.
After missing out on the South American Championships to Chile in the summer Messi announced his retirement from football but was talked out of that decision.
Barcelona have started their domestic campaign with four wins- two against Seville in the Super Cup followed up with victories over Real Betis and Athletico Bilbao.
In the 6-2 win over Betis Messi and Luis Suarez scored five of the goals as Barca picked up on the form that delivered the La Liga title.
Before flying out to Barcelona Celtic will host new boys Sevco for the first ever league match between the two clubs.
CLICK HERE for Sevco players pose with Shankhill Road Flute Band.