Madrid, Sep 29 (IANS) Lionel Messi opened the scoring for FC Barcelona before having to leave the pitch with a suspected torn muscle in his right thigh as the Spanish Primera Liga leaders beat a hard-working Almeria 2-0 and made it seven wins from seven games.
Barca coach Tata Martino Saturday continued his policy of squad rotation against a side which has conceded at least two goals in every game this season, reports Xinhua.
Neymar was rested, along with Xavi Hernandez, while Marc Bartra replaced the injured Javier Mascherano in central defence. Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez were also in the starting 11.
Andres Iniesta had the first chance of the game after five minutes, but chances were few and far between until Messi opened the scoring on 20 minutes with a magnificent shot from outside of the box.
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The Argentinean’s shot curled into the corner of the net giving Almeria keeper Esteban no chance.
That was virtually all Messi did in the game as he was forced to limp off after half an hour with a muscle injury to be replaced by Xavi.
The change affected Barca, while Almeria grew in confidence and could have levelled thanks to winger Suso, on loan from Liverpool and former Barca-B team player, Rodri, but on both occasions, Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes came up trumps.
Barca struggled in the closing minutes of the first half, but the second period saw them come out with a different mindset and Martino’s side began to move the ball around fluidly with Xavi taking control of the midfield.
Adriano scored the second of the game 10 minutes after the break after Fabregas picked up his well timed run in to the Almeria penalty area.
Meanwhile Messi will have tests Sunday to determine the extent of his injury and Barca will be keeping their fingers crossed.
