Lionel Messi ruled out for the rest of the season

Barcelona super star Lionel Messi has been ruled out for NINE MONTHS after crushing his toes in training on National team duty with Argentina. The talisman was caught in a rash tackle by team-mate Marcos Rojo during a team training in New Jersey, U.S.A.

Speaking to the Argentinian Football Association's official website, head coach Gerardo Martino explained: "We waited until the last minute to see if he could play again this year [as] I understand the expectation.

"But he was unable to play as he had a hard time even putting on his boots. [His foot] really hurts so we decided not to take a risk."

As a result, there is a belief that the talisman may now struggle to even keep his fitness for the rest of 2015.

Messi has scored 43 goals in all competitions for the La Liga leaders this season.

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