Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Lionel Messi Says He Is 'Lacking Rhythm' After Injury Return at Barcelona

Lionel Messi has said he feels "fatigued and heavy, lacking rhythm" after returning from a calf injury that saw him miss the opening matches of Barcelona's 2019-20 campaign.

After the 2019 Copa America, Messi returned to Barca training in early August, but he was almost immediately sidelined.

He subsequently missed the club's pre-season tour to the United States, as well as La Liga games against Athletic Club, Real Betis, Osasuna and Valencia.

The Argentinian returned as a substitute against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League last week, but he could not break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw.