Lionel Messi May Return for Clásico Showdown at Real Madrid
Lionel Messi has not played since tearing a knee ligament in a league game on Sept. 26. Credit Sergio Perez/Reuters After almost two months on the sidelines, Lionel Messi could be ready to return to the field for Barcelona â perhaps even in time for a Clásico showdown at Real Madrid on Saturday. Messi has not played since tearing a knee ligament less than 10 minutes into a league game on Sept. 26. News of the injury no doubt worried Barcelona fans, but since the injury the club is 5-1 in the Spanish league and 3-0 in the Champions League. Barcelona has opened a 3-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga through 11 games heading into this weekendâs match, as its other two attacking stars, Neymar and Luis Suárez, have filled the gap with 10 goals each since Messiâs injury. Real had been keeping pace until a 3-2 loss at Sevilla on Nov. 8, and the Spanish news media is already piling the pressure on Manager Rafa BenÃtez. Should Real lose on Saturday,...