Lionel Messi Injury: Barcelona Striker Injures Leg vs. Atletico Madrid

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was forced off after an hour during their clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

According to Goal, the problem appeared to be an issue with his groin following a collision with Diego Godin, with Barcelona confirming it was a groin strain in his right leg:

Sky Sports La Liga provided footage:

Messi suffered summer heartbreak as his nation lost in the final of the Copa America for the second consecutive year, triggering the player's international retirement.

However, he reversed his decision and will now play a part in Argentina's charge for qualification toward the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as confirmed by the Press Association (via the Guardian).

Barca have the most lauded attacking trio in world football, with Luis Suarez and Neymar alongside Messi, but the Blaugrana will now have to put their faith in an alternative player.

New recruit Paco Alcacer could profit from Messi's absence and might be drafted in to make up the numbers in the starting XI, with Suarez moving to a more fluid role to deputise for the injured icon.

Returning attacker Denis Suarez could also see increased minutes as Enrique shuffles the pack at the Camp Nou.

Messi could now be in a race against time to be fit for Barcelona's UEFA Champions League match with Manchester City on October 19.