Lionel Messi is in serious doubt for Barcelona’s upcoming Champions League match against Inter according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport.

The multi-time world player of the year picked up a thigh injury in his left leg during the Blaugrana’s 2-1 victory over Villarreal last night, in what was his first league start of the season.

During the first half Messi had to go to the bench to get his thigh massaged after being on the end of two tackles and he was then taken off at half-time and replaced by Ousmane Dembele.

It is as yet unclear how long the Argentine will be out of action for but with Barcelona set to play host to Inter this time next week, it can certainly be presumed that his chances of featuring whatsoever are extremely low.

This news will no doubt come as a welcome boost to Antonio Conte’s Inter side, who will be keen to get back to winning ways in the Champions League having stumbled to a draw in their opening group stage fixture against Slavia Prague.