Messi in doubt for Madrigal visit

Lionel Messi missed Argentina's friendly against Costa Rica last night due to a leg injury, which could also keep him out of Barcelona's La Liga trip to Villarreal on Saturday, the club has revealed.

Pains in the abductor muscle of his right leg prevented the 23-year-old from taking part in the 0-0 draw in San Jose.

A Barcelona statement read: "The injury does not appear to be serious, although we will have to wait for tests which are to be undertaken in Barcelona to get a definitive diagnosis before deciding whether he can play against Villarreal."

Messi, who has scored 27 league goals for Barcelona this season, is to return to Spain tomorrow, just two days before the match.

The Catalan giants have a five-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid in La Liga.

The two Spanish superpowers will collide next month at the Bernabeu.