Leonel Messi looked unhappy and despondent on Wednesday evening during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, as he sat on the turf knowing his night was over.

Barcelona fans had a grim look on their faces as they saw their talisman being taken off the field and helped down the tunnel to receive treatment.

Barcelona later confirmed on their official Twitter page that the Argentine superstar will be out for three-weeks with a groin injury.

However, during Messi’s previous long spell on the sidelines – which was two months from last September – Barcelona went nine games undefeated, winning seven and drawing two.

Both Suarez and Neymar stepped up to the plate to minimise their teammate’s absence. The duo netted 18 goals between them with Messi sidelined.

Messi was replaced by Arda Turan on Wednesday evening and the Turkish international is the likely starter in the next three games.

Turan had also played when Neymar was away with Brazil during the Summer Olympics. The Turkish international has provided three assists and scored three goals in seven appearances for Barcelona this season.

Barcelona take on Sporting this weekend in the Spanish league.

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