Lionel Messi picks up thigh injury during the match against Almeira

Messi pictured during an Argentina training session

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi suffered an injury setback during the game against Almeira and had to be substituted after just thirty minutes on the pitch. ESPN FC reports.

The Argentina international has suffered a right thigh muscle injury, Barcelona confirmed on their account on social networking site Twitter.

The club added that Messi will get medical attention on Sunday to get an idea about the seriousness of the injury.

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino was unsure whether the injury would keep Messi out of Barcelona’s upcoming games.

“Apparently Messi picked up small muscle strain in the back of his right leg when he scored,” Martino said. “It’s hard to say anything else until he undergoes additional tests.”

Team-mate Adriano told AS: “Hopefully it’s nothing and he’s with us for the coming games because he’s a very important player. With him, it’s a different team.”

The 26-year-old found the back of the net in the 21st minute before being hauled off in the 29th minute.

The La Liga champions chose to keep Neymar on the bench due to the important Champions League game on Wednesday against Scottish side Celtic.