Barca boss reveals Messi is still struggling after being hit by 'truck' as Argentine is rested for Huesca clash

LIONEL MESSI is still struggling after being hit by a "truck" during the first-leg win over Manchester United, according to Ernesto Valverde.

The Argentina star has been ruled out of Barcelona's clash against Huesca following his nasty collision with Chris Smalling at Old Trafford.

Messi, 31, was left bloodied and bruised after an aerial challenge with the 6ft 3in defender during the Champions League quarter-final.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner received treatment on the pitch before he was allowed to continue.

Barcelona won the game 1-0 after an own goal from Luke Shaw, but Messi paid the price.

Giving an update on the injury, Valverde said: "I spoke to him and he is fine, but it was a hard knock.

"He wasn't feeling good the day after nor during the rest of the match. It was like a truck had run over him."

Messi, who has scored 41 goals and made 15 assists this season, will not play against Huesca at Estadio El Alcoraz.

But Barcelona will be hoping to welcome him back for the second leg against United at the Nou Camp on April 16.

The Argentina international will be gunning for revenge against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, but Smalling confirmed after the match that there were no hard feelings.

He said: "Yeah we spoke after. I didn't realise at the time actually that I had caught him like that.

 

"But after the game we had a brief chat, shook hands and he said he knew it was an accident.

"[Luis] Suarez after as well, we had a good tussle and he just shook my hand after said good luck and we just said good luck.

"So it's nice when you can have that battle on the pitch and then obviously there's full respect after the game because ultimately you're just trying to do your best and enjoy the game."

Source: Read Full Article