Lionel Messi injured in a draw with Valencia and could miss Clasico

Lionel Messi is doubtful for the Copa del Rey Clasico semi-final on Wednesday, facing Real Madrid, after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw against Valencia.

The Argentine international scored twice, once from the penalty spot, while the hosts lost 2-0 to score a point and extend their lead at the top of the six-point La Liga.

Messi has scored 11 goals in the last nine games in all competitions, scoring 20 goals in the league for the eleventh consecutive season.

Lionel Messi has a "small problem" after being injured against Valencia in Liga on Saturday

Lionel Messi scored both goals as Barcelona drew a tie with Valencia, seventh

However, it was not without cost, as he needed treatment for what appeared to be a dead leg shortly after the equalizer, and coach Ernesto Valverde did not know if he would recover on time for Wednesday's first leg against their rivals.

& # 39; (Messi) has a small problem. I do not know exactly what problem he has, I do not know, "he said at a press conference at the end of the match.

"We will have to wait to see what the medical staff is saying. If he is in shape, he will play on Wednesday. We will wait. I imagine that it is nothing, but we will wait a few hours. Leo did not ask me to replace him.

The draw ended an eight-game winning streak in the league and Valverde admitted that after a slow start to the match, he did not believe his team deserved to lose 2-0.

Messi now doubts for the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday at home against Real Madrid

"It was a very strange first part. It is true that Valencia started very well, generating a very clear opportunity, but from that moment it was we who controlled the game, dominating the zones, creating the feeling that we could score, "he said. he declares.

"When we were better, we had 0-1 in a counterattack and then a second goal was a very severe punishment."

The Valencia coach, Marcelino, looked on the positive side despite a two-goal lead.

"We can be disappointed when we are 2-0 and we draw, but it's not what I feel," he said.

"The team had an amazing game and played very well, but we were unlucky. We were about to win but in the space of two minutes we went from almost 3-1 to 2-2.