Barcelona and Argentina desperately await Messi's return

Enduring tough spells without the iconic No. 10

Posted Sunday, October 09, 2016 by Marca.com

Without Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina know the simple, unavoidable truth: results and the quality of play just aren't the same in his absence.

Argentina continue to drop points without their talisman, against Peru, whereas Barcelona have done so at the Estadio Balaidos against Celta Vigo.

Nonetheless, Messi's absence is felt much more acutely within the Albiceleste camp and last season the Blaugrana showed they can survive a two-month period without their biggest star.

The Catalans only loss came against Sevilla, while dropping points in qualifying for Edgardo Bauza's men is perhaps a clearer indictment of a much deeper reliance.

Manchester City clash is right around the corner

This season, however, may prove entirely different, despite the similarities in the club's defeats at Balaidos. Even in a 5-0 win over Sporting the team was not at its best, and Luis Enrique's side needed to comeback against Borussia Monchengladbach in Champions League to secure all three points.

Barcelona and Argentina desperately await Messi's return

Manchester City under Pep Guardiola will be a familiar face, and yet an unfamiliar beast and the thought of facing the celebrated tactical mastermind they consider their very own without Messi is something any team, even Barcelona, would wish to avoid.