Messi's failure to play costs Barcelona big money

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Lionel Messi's absence from Barcelona's friendly at Hamburg because of a right leg injury cost the club more than just the loss of the world's best player.

Barcelona confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the Argentina forward's failure to play in Germany on Tuesday will cost the club 30 percent of its contract money, about €360,000 ($436,000).

Barcelona beat Hamburg 2-1 after goals from Dani Alves and youth player Gerard Deulofeu. The team was also without its Spanish internationals, who are still on holiday after winning the European Championship final in Ukraine on July 1.

Barcelona said Messi's response to treatment will determine how long he is out.

The Spanish club plays Moroccan team Raja in a friendly on Saturday.