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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Sports Staff

Lionel Messi: Barcelona confirm injured captain will not travel on pre-season tour

Barcelona have confirmed Lionel Messi has strained his right calf and will not travel to the United States for two pre-season games.

The Spanish champions announced that Messi was withdrawn from Monday's training session because of “discomfort in his right leg.”

The club did not say when they expect the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to return.

Barcelona's first match of the season is against Athletic Bilbao on August 17.

Before that, the team will visit the United States and play a friendly against Napoli in Miami on Thursday.

They then play against the same Italian opponent at the University of Michigan on Saturday.

Messi had been on holiday since Argentina finished third in the Copa America last month.

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