Life without Leo Messi: No need to panic

Leo Messi is, quite simply, the GOAT. So it goes without saying that it’s a huge blow whenever he is out of action, as will be the case for the next three weeks after the Argentinian fractured his arm against Sevilla.

That could be as many as six games without our star player. But don’t fret too much. A glance at the history books shows that Barça have generally managed to cope quite well whenever he has been missing.

Since the 2010/11, Messi has sat out 61 games due to injury, suspension or just getting some well-earned rest.

Of these, 30 were in La Liga, 9 in the Champions League, 22 in the Copa del Rey and one in the Clubs World Cup.

Those games have produced a combined total of 49 wins, six draws and just six defeats.  

Record Clásico run ends

It’s been confirmed that Messi will play no part in the fixture with Real Madrid next Sunday. It’s the first time in an astonishing record of 35 consecutive Clásicos that Barça will have to make do without their brightest star. The 1-0 defeat at the Camp Nou in 2007 was the last time he missed out on the big occasion.