SEVILLE, Spain (AP) — Lionel Messi injured his left thigh during the first half of Barcelona’s Spanish league match at Real Betis. It’s his third leg injury this season.
He was hurt during a sprint while challenging for the ball in the 18th minute. Barcelona said Messi would undergo medical tests Monday.
The four-time player of the year told his team of the injury, and Andres Iniesta replaced him in the 21st minute.
Messi first hurt his left thigh in the Spanish Super Cup in August. He then injured his right thigh in a league match at Almeria in September.
While still being his team’s top scorer with eight goals in the Spanish league and six in the Champions League, Messi has struggled at times this season to break down defenses with his usual bursts of speed.
