Lionel Messi will miss Barcelona’s FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday due to renal colic.
The Catalan giants, who triumphed in the competition in 2009 and 2011, launch their bid for a third title against the Chinese side at the International Stadium Yokohama, but will have to do so without the four-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Leo Messi, last-minute absentee from the Club World Cup semi-final. The player has renal colic,” the club posted on Twitter.
A statement on the website continued: “Leo Messi will not be playing after waking up on Thursday morning with renal colic, a type of abdominal pain commonly caused by kidney stones. His future availability will depend on the outcome of further medical tests.”
Brazil striker Neymar is carrying a groin injury but has travelled to Japan as Barca look to add to the Champions League, Primera Division and Copa del Rey crowns they have already collected this year.
