Barcelona have confirmed that they will be without the services of Lionel Messi for the next three weeks.

The Argentine international limped out of yesterday's 2-0 victory over Almeria shortly after he had opened the scoring for the away side with a thigh injury.

Coach Gerardo Martino admitted after the clash that he was unsure as to the extent of the injury, but scans have since revealed that the 26-year-old will be out of action until late October.

As a result, he will miss the upcoming Champions League clash with Celtic at Parkhead, but he should be available for the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid on Saturday, October 27.