Messi skips Barcelona training ahead of crunch Atletico game

The Argentina international is reportedly attending
the birth of his second child but could now be a doubt for Saturday's
visit to the Vicente Calderon Stadium

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has missed training ahead of the Catalan outfit's crunch clash with Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Reports
in Spain suggest the Argentina international was granted leave due to
the impending arrival of his second child, though no official
confirmation has been given as yet.

The four-time Ballon d'Or
winner was only a substitute for Argentina against Mexico in midweek,
though he did come off the bench to score a late goal.

Luis Enrique is already without Claudio Bravo and Dani Alves through injury for the clash with the Rojiblancos while Gerard Pique remains unavailable through suspension.

Barca
travel to the Vicente Calderon Stadium having won both their opening
Liga fixtures, with Atletico also holding a 100 per cent record.