La Liga: Barcelona’s thumping win over Sevilla marred by Lionel Messi’s injury

Barcelona beat high-flying Sevilla 4-2 in at the Camp Nou on Sunday but this win was marred with Lionel Messi’s arm injury, on Saturday.

Despite humbling Sevilla at home, Ernesto Valverde would have a lot to worry about after Messi landed awkwardly on his right shoulder and had to be taken off the field. This injury, right before crucial fixtures against Real Madrid next Sunday and Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday might just prove to be costly for Barcelona, who claimed the top position in the table following this win.

But the Argentine star played his part well before the mishap. He set up Philippe Coutinho for the opener in the second minute and himself scored with a curling shot 10 minutes later before he was substituted in the 26th minute following the arm injury, which required immediate medical attention.

Also read: La Liga: Julen Lopetegui’s Real Madrid stunned by Levante at the Bernabeu

The star forward fell to the ground after a challenge from Franco Vasquez and injured his right hand in the process. He had his injured arm heavily strapped after he left the field and soon went down through the tunnel.

Ousmane Dembele replaced the talismanic player and Luis Suarez took charge with a penalty in the 66th minute to make sure that the injury didn’t ruffle Barcelona’s nerves. Sevilla, who have been in good form this season came up with a goal in the 79th minute after Sarabia’s shot deflected off Clement Lenglet into the net. But Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic made sure that Barcelona walked home with three points after a volley in the 88th to make it 4-1 in favour of the Catalan giants. Luis Muriel did score another for Sevilla in the injury time but it was too late to make any amends whatsoever.

Image credit- (Luis Suarez)- AS English-Diario AS