Lionel Messi Misses Barcelona’s FIFA Club World Cup Semifinal With Abdominal Pain

Lionel Messi’s stomach ache disappointed a lot of soccer fans in Japan and beyond.

Messi on Thursday missed Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Guangzhou Evergrande in the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup semifinals. Messi sat out the game because he was suffering from renal colic, Barcelona said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.

“Leo Messi will not be playing in today’s Club World Cup semifinal against Guangzhou Evergrande,” the statement read. “The Argentinian striker is suffering from renal colic.”

Messi, 28, practiced normally Wednesday, but he woke up in so much pain that he could not play.

Renal colic often is associated with kidney stones, Barcelona added, according to The AP.

Luis Suarez eased the blow of Messi’s absence, as his hat trick gave the reigning UEFA Champions League winner the edge over its Asian counterpart.

63,870 fans flocked to Yokohama’s International Stadium to watch the semifinal. More are expected for Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final between Barcelona and River Plate.

Messi’s status for that game is uncertain, depending on “the outcome of further medical tests,” Barcelona said.

Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@BBCSport