Messi's injury is not a relapse

At first glance, it seemed that Lionel Messi was feeling pain from the same pubis discomfort ailment that forced him to leave international duty early, but on further inspection, it's clear the injury received during the Atletico Madrid match was a new one.

Messi injured the adductor in his right leg at very start of the second half against Atleti and judging by the review conducted by Dr. Ricard Pruna at the stadium the Argentine will need about three weeks rest, meaning he will miss at least three games and not travel with his national squad during the next international break.

What is certain is that all of his physical problems are related to the same reason: his groin injury.

For several months, Messi has been living with a drawback that comes and goes, but ultimately results in small associated muscle concerns, the result of overloading.

The slight break that comes as a result of what happened on Wednesday is a blessing in disguise and will force the player to stop, recover and stabilise the entire pelvic area. 

Barcelona's goal is for Messi play again but without the constant problems linked to the discomfort he has felt for far too long.