Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi suffered a left adductor injury during Tuesday night's La Liga clash with Villarreal at Camp Nou.

The Argentina international made his first start of the season against the Yellow Submarine having recovered from a calf problem but was forced off at the interval.

The Spanish champions have revealed that the 32-year-old suffered an adductor injury during Tuesday's league clash, although the club have not put a timeframe on his recovery.

"First-team player Leo Messi has elongated his left adductor. He is out and his recovery will determine his availability," read a statement on Barca's official website.

Messi is unlikely to feature against Getafe in the league this weekend, while his spot in next Wednesday's Champions League clash with Inter Milan is also in severe doubt.