Lionel Messi out for three weeks with groin injury

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been ruled out for three weeks with a groin injury he picked up in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid. 

Messi's groin injury was initially feared to be an old problem he first picked up on international duty, and he now looks a certainty to miss the Champions League clash against Borussia Monchengladbach. 

The Argentine International will also be absent for clashes at Sporting Gijon and Celta Vigo, and is in a race against time to be fit for the visit of Manchester City to the Camp Nou in late October. 

"To lose Messi means that football loses. With Messi we are stronger, but we will continue being strong," Barcelona coach Luis Enrique told reporters after the match.