Lionel Messi, the four-time world player of the year, has been ruled out for the rest of the year due to a hamstring injury, said Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino Monday. Martino recognized Messi's absence will be a boost for any side that faces Barcelona between now and his return, reported Xinhua. "I have said already this week that without Messi we have lost the best player in the world and that always creates a difficulty. If I was on the other side I would see it as a positive, but the quality of the Barcelona squad means there can be no excuses," he said.
Lionel Messi says he will be back playing "when the body tells me I'm fine" and not a minute sooner, as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

The Barcelona forward was ruled out for up to two months on 11 November after suffering another hamstring problem in the previous day's 4-1 win at Real Betis, where he limped off after 21 minutes.

This month his Barça team-mate Cesc Fábregas urged the Argentinian not to rush his recovery after experiencing similar problems at Arsenal and advised Messi to have patience as he looks to get back to full fitness.

This as been his third muscle injury this year.

Nairalanders would like to know your suggestions

A player can't remain on top forever. I think this will gradually bring a decline in his magical performance.