LIONEL MESSI has sustained a strain in his left thigh, Barcelona confirmed Wednesday.

Messi was substituted at half-time of Barca’s 2-1 win over Villarreal on Tuesday in what was the striker’s first start of the season.

He had previously been out with a calf injury sustained Aug. 5 and Barcelona authorities have not indicated when they expect their captain to return from his latest setback.

“First team player Leo Messi has a strain in the adductor of his left thigh,” a club statement read. “He is out and his recovery will dictate his availability.”

Messi is expected to miss his team’s visit to Getafe in La Liga on Saturday.

Barcelona then plays at home against Inter Milan in the Champions League next Wednesday before hosting Sevilla in the league four days later.

The team will hope to have the 32-year-old back as soon as possible, particularly after a rocky opening to the season that has included only three wins from seven matches in all competitions. After recovering from his calf problem, Messi made substitute appearances against Borussia Dortmund and Granada before being deemed ready to start against Villarreal.

He set up the opening goal, providing the cross for Antoine Griezmann to head in after six minutes. (SD-Agencies)