FOOTBALL: Tests rule out Messi’s injury

Tests on the adductor muscle in his right leg showed injury concerns was merely a scare.

MADRID: Leaders Barcelona breathed a sigh of relief after tests showed that a suspected injury to joint La Liga top scorer Lionel Messi on international duty with Argentina was merely a scare.

The World Player of the Year, level on 27 goals with Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, pulled out of Argentina’s friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday as a precaution.

He had tests on the adductor muscle in his right leg at a clinic as Barca prepare to defend their five-point lead over chasing Real Madrid at third-placed Villarreal on Saturday.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 01^st, 2011.