Spartak Moscow vs. Barcelona: Lionel Messi Will Lead Barca to a Major Victory

Spartak Moscow is doomed.

As if it weren’t already at an enormous disadvantage against Lionel Messi and Barcelona. It’s now being reported that not one, not two, but all three of the Spartachi goalies are injured.

In the clubs’ UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday, expect utter domination by Barca, with Messi leading the charge.

According to Reuters, Andriy Dykan hasn’t been able to suit up since he suffered a shoulder injury all the way back on September 29. The Russian club’s next best option, Sergei Pesiakov, hasn’t seen the field for a month after he fractured his foot.

And most recently, third-string goalkeeper Artem Rebrov went down as well as Spartak announced (via Yahoo! Sports): “Rebrov sustained practically the same injury that Dykan had. Rebrov will miss at least the next few games.”

Messi is drooling.

The striker, known by many as the best footballer on the face of the planet, has lived up to his prestigious reputation this season. In the 2012-2013 campaign, Messi has connected on 22 goals, seven assists and he’s only started 17 matches. Just this past Saturday against Zaragoza, he accounted for each of Barcelona’s trio of goals in its 3-1 victory recording two goals and an assist.

Even though he’s likely capable of being a one-man wrecking crew, he isn’t, as Barca has ran circles around its opponents as a team this year. It sits undefeated atop La Liga with 11 wins and just a single draw between the club and a perfect record.

Spartak, on the other hand, hasn’t been so hot. In UEFA play, it’s looking up at everyone in Group G with only three points.

It would be a shocker if the Russian club even competes with the Spaniards. The squad would struggle at full strength. But limping into action, it needs a miracle.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels