Barcelona's Lionel Messi out for two to three weeks

The Argentina international suffered a thigh injury during his side's victory over Almeria on Saturday but the club are hopeful he will return in time for the clasico

Barcelona have confirmed that Lionel Messi will be out of action for two to three weeks after suffering a thigh injury during his side's 2-0 victory over Almeria on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Rosario native opened the scoring in the 21st minute before being subbed off on the 28th minute after feeling discomfort in his right leg.

And test conducted on Sunday morning confirmed that he sustained a minor injury and will be back training in a matter of weeks.

"Leo Messi has a small injury hamstring injury in the right leg. This was confirmed by medical evidence that the player has made this morning in the Medical Services Sports City," a statement from the club's official website read.

"The Argentine should be approximately two to three weeks off , forcing him to miss two games sure that FC Barcelona has this week: on Tuesday against Celtic Glasgow , and on Saturday at the Camp Nou against Valladolid."

This news follows a long list recent injuries including a thigh injury he sustained earlier this season during the club's Spanish Supercopa matches against Atletico Madrid.

Despite this injury crisis, Messi has been named by Alejandro Sabella to represent Argentina in the latest round of international fixtures.

The Argentine is expected to make a full recovery prior to the club's La Liga clash against Osasuna on October 19.