Barcelona sweat on Lionel Messi injury

Messi was replaced by Cesc Fabregas at half time due to a thigh injury suffered during Barca’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa

Lionel Messi will undergo tests to determine the extent of the injury he suffered to his left thigh during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid. The Argentine international was replaced by Cesc Fabregas at halftime in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.

Barca’s new signing, Neymar ,came on as a substitute in the 59th minute to salvage a draw after David Villa had given Atletico the lead against his former club.

Barcelona said in a medical report that “Messi was substituted due to precaution for pain in the back of his left thigh caused by a knock” and that he will undergo further tests Thursday.

Barcelona coach Gerard Martino said he wouldn’t play Messi if the forward wasn’t 100% fit.

“If a player feels he has a physical problem that stops him from playing, it makes no sense to leave him on the pitch,” Martino said.

Messi was an injury doubt for the La Liga opener after he suffered a muscle injury in his left leg but recovered in time to take part in the 7-0 thrashing of Levante.