Rivaldo addresses Barcelona fans' fears over Lionel Messi 'decline' after new injury

Rivaldo has sent a message to Barcelona fans after Lionel Messi's new injury setback.

Barcelona hero Rivaldo has told his former club’s supporters to “keep calm” after Lionel Messi’s latest injury setback.

The Argentine succumbed to a fresh fitness problem during the win over Villarreal on Wednesday night.

Messi was only making his first start of the season after a calf problem.

But the Barca skipper was forced off at half-time on his 400th La Liga start with a thigh complaint after receiving treatment.

Messi had earlier provided the cross that saw Antoine Griezmann head in to make it 2-0 on 15 minutes.

The Catalan giants have endured a difficult start to the season in Messi’s absence, with Barca winning just two of their first four matches in which he didn’t play.

The 32-year-old had to come off the bench at half-time away at Granada last weekend, though Ernesto Valverde’s side still went on to lose 2-0.

Barca also drew 0-0 in their Champions League group stage opener at Borussia Dortmund, in which they were outplayed as Messi played the final half-an-hour.

Rivaldo addresses Barcelona fans' fears over Lionel Messi 'decline' after new injury blow (Image: GETTY)

Rivaldo addresses Barcelona fans' fears over Lionel Messi 'decline' after new injury blow (Image: GETTY)

Rivaldo addresses Barcelona fans' fears over Lionel Messi 'decline' after new injury blow (Image: GETTY)

But Rivaldo insists Barca fans should not panic in the wake of Messi’s latest injury, despite the fact they already trail rivals Real Madrid, who sit top of La Liga, by four points.

Their talismanic forward, recently named The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2019, put up 51 goals and 22 assists in just 50 appearances last season as he continues to defy the suggestion he should be entering the twilight phase of his career.

However his recent problems have caused some concern that Father Time is catching up to the Barca skipper.

Rivaldo, who spent five years at the Nou Camp and won four major trophies, does not subscribe to that theory, though.

Rivaldo addresses Barcelona fans' fears over Lionel Messi 'decline' after new injury blow (Image: GETTY)

Rivaldo addresses Barcelona fans' fears over Lionel Messi 'decline' after new injury blow (Image: GETTY)

"I don't see this as a sign of decline in Messi, though, as he will come back and have a few more years at the highest level,” he wrote in his column for bookmakers Betfair.

"Messi is a very important part of Barcelona and, even if they enjoy success without him, it won't be the same as it has been for the past decade.

"For now, though, the season is just starting and there's plenty of time for the player to recover without damaging the club’s chances in the Champions League and La Liga.

"It's crucial that club and fans keep calm in this turbulent phase for the team.”

Barca said in a club statement on Thursday: “First team player Leo Messi has elongated his left adductor.

"He is out and his recovery will determine his availability.”

Barcelona travel to mid-table Getafe this Saturday (3pm) as they seek to claim back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.