Luis Enrique: Messi's injury is a loss for all of football, but Barca will cope

Messi picked up the groin injury during Wednesday’s La Liga draw with Atletico Madrid and is set to be out for three weeks.

“Missing Lionel Messi is a big loss for football, for everyone, and this is something we are sorry about,” Enrique said. “We did have something similar last year, even longer than now, and the team played at a good level.

“We should start looking for different solutions," the Barca boss added. "It is clear we are stronger having Leo Messi, but we are still very strong and this is the best moment to ask this squad to keep improving. That’s the way we will go, convinced of the need to win and to carry on playing well.”

Messi hobbled off after 56 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Atletico, and Barca – who had taken the lead through Ivan Rakitic in the first half – conceded the equaliser five minutes after their talisman’s departure.

The result was a disappointing one for the Catalan side, who dominated for much of the game.

"These types of games are decided by small details,” Enrique said. “We deserved more."