Football: Vomiting Messi misses Malaga clash

Messi showed symptoms of lightheadedness and vomiting. PHOTO: AFP

BARCELONA (AFP) - Barcelona will have to cope without talisman Lionel Messi for the visit of Malaga on Saturday (Nov 19) after the Argentine was ruled out just hours before the game due to illness.

"The Argentine player showed symptoms of lightheadedness and vomiting and will not be available for the game against the Andalusian side," Barca said in a statement.

Messi only returned to Barcelona on Wednesday after guiding Argentina to a crucial 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Colombia on Tuesday.

Barca are also without the suspended Luis Suarez as they aim to move top of La Liga for at least a few hours before league leaders Real Madrid travel to local rivals Atletico Madrid later on Saturday.

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