Barcelona have confirmed that Argentinian star Lionel Messi will be sidelined for about three weeks after suffering a torn muscle in his groin during the second half against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old tore a muscle in his groin in the second half of Barca’s 1-1 draw with Atleti at Camp Nou, according to the  Barcelona website.

Barca will be without their talisman for three matches including La Liga matches against both Sporting Gijon and Celta Vigo before taking on Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League.

Messi’s injury came in the 55th minute of the match after the Argentinian felt discomfort in his right leg. A few minutes later the Barca star left the field and was replace by Arda Turan.

However, Luis Enrique’s side have now moved into third place on the La Liga table, three points behind rivals Real Madrid.

On Saturday, Barcelona travel to El Molinon when they take on Sporting Gijon in La Liga action.

The match is scheduled for 16:15.

Image: Barcelona website