Lionel Messi has hit out at reports that something other than “bad luck” is behind his run of muscle injuries.
The Barcelona superstar has been ruled out of action for at least the rest of 2013, after suffering his fifth muscle injury in six months recently.
Reports have emerged suggesting that Messi is discontent with the medical care he has been receiving at Barca, following changes to the structure of their medical department.
The Argentine’s run of injuries has also been blamed on his reported insistence of playing every minute of every game when he is fit.
But Messi has rejected the conspiracy theories surrounding his injury misfortune, and insists his ravaged season is just down to bad luck.
Regarding his current stay in the treatment room, and the media’s reaction to it, La Pulga Atomica told Ole: “I am sad because I did not expect it.
“And also annoyed because this is an injury which happened to me just after another. But not worried, seriously.
“This injury happened as it had to happen. There is nothing strange behind it, nor nothing to look for… A bang, a slip and I was injured.
“People can say many things, but my injury was just bad luck.”
Regarding the rumours that he no longer trusts the medical care at the Camp Nou, Messi said: “Someone from the Argentina national team came to see me to learn about the injury. [But] I say again -- there is nothing strange going on.”
And regarding the allegation that his determination to play all the time has contributed to his failing body, he added: “While I feel good, I will play whatever is necessary.
“I do not have to put limits on myself. I know when the coach wants to take me off, he will take me off, and that’s fine. There is no need to look for things which are not there.”
Meanwhile, Barca fans anxious to see their hero back in action again will not be comforted by his assessment of how long he will be out for.
The Spanish champions claim that he will not play for “six to eight weeks”, but Messi is far less clear cut on the prognosis.
“The truth is I do not know,” he said.
“The plan is to return when my body tells me I am right.”
