Lionel Messi injury: Barcelona forward out of Club World Cup semi-final with kidney condition

Messi will miss the clash with Guangzhou Evergrande and is a major doubt for the Club World Cup final should Barcelona qualify

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Barcelona's clash with Guangzhou Evergrande (Getty Images)

Lionel Messi had been ruled out of Barcelona’s Club World Cup semi-final against Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday after being diagnosed with kidney stones.

The 28-year-old recently returned from a knee ligament injury having missed nearly two months of the season, but the latest setback will definitely keep him out of Barcelona’s opening match in Japan and is likely to rule him out of the final, should the Catalans reach Sunday’s showcase match.

A statement released on the club’s website confirmed Messi’s absence from today’s match, and revealed that the Ballon d’Or favourite is suffering from renal colic, with further medical tests scheduled to determine his return.

“Leo Messi will not be playing in today’s Club World Cup semi-final against Guangzhou Evergrande,” the statement read. “The Argentinian striker is suffering from renal colic, a type of abdominal pain commonly caused by kidney stones, and will be absent for the 11:30am CET kick-off against the Asian champions. His future availability will depend on the outcome of further medical tests.”

Barcelona are favourites for the Club World Cup, having qualified for the tournament through their Champions League victory last season. The La Liga leaders take on Guangzhou Evergrande at the International Stadium in Yokohama, with a place in the final against South American champions River Plate up for grabs.