  Messi will miss his team's international friendly soccer match against Costa Rica on Tuesday after coach Sergio Batista decided to rest him, local media reported. Picture taken March 28, 2011. (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate) |
BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona forward Lionel Messi could miss out on Saturday's clash at Villarreal because of an adductor injury.
The 23-year-old sustained the injury in training while away on international duty with Argentina, and it forced him to miss Tuesday's friendly with Costa Rica, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Messi's injury is not considered to be serious, but the club is expected to be cautious with the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner, who has 27 goals in La Liga this season.
Barcelona enters the weekend five points clear of second-place Real Madrid.
