Players who can step into in absentia Lionel Messi's shoes at Barcelona

3. Alexis Sanchez :

BARCELONA, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 01: Alexis Sanchez (L) of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammate Neymar of FC Barcelona after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 1, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

His pace, dribbling and current form has given him the advantage over team mate Pedro to occupy the starting spot. Although he has rarely played in a central role earlier, it will be interesting to see if gaffer ‘Tata’ Martino tweaks his tactics to accommodate the Chilean winger as a Striker, thus enabling Pedro to start on the right wing and get some much needed playing time.

These three players are capable enough to fill the temporary void left by Messi. Although signing a striker should not be a priority for the Catalans, it will be interesting to see which players does the club bid for in the upcoming transfer windows. Anims, Leo.