Barcelona: Barcelona will have to cope without talisman Lionel Messi for the visit of Malaga on Saturday after the Argentine was ruled out just hours before the game due to illness.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

"The Argentine player showed symptoms of lightheadedness and vomiting and will not be available for the game against the Andalusian side," Barca said in a statement.

Messi only returned to Barcelona on Wednesday after guiding Argentina to a crucial 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Colombia on Tuesday.

Barca are also without the suspended Luis Suarez as they aim to move top of La Liga for at least a few hours before league leaders Real Madrid travel to local rivals Atletico Madrid later on Saturday.