Lionel Messi: Barcelona Forward Injured Again On First Match After Returning From Injury

Lionel Messi, who is known as a prolific goalscorer and a creative playmaker, holds the records for most goals in La Liga (419), a La Liga and European league season (50), most hat-tricks in the UEFA Champions League (8), and most assists in La Liga (169) and the Copa América (12). He has scored 698 senior career goals for club and country.

Lionel Messi, was replaced at the start of the second half after suffering a thigh problem.

It was learnt that Messi had just recovered from a calf injury. 

The Argentine, making his 400th La Liga start, provided the corner for Antoine Griezmann to head home off the bar before Arthur made it 2-0.

Santi Cazorla pulled a goal back.

After the game, Barca boss Ernesto Valverde described Messi's injury as a "small problem in the adductor".

"When something happens to Messi, everyone stops, not only on the field, but in the stands as well," he said.

"As a precaution we have decided not to risk it. In theory, it is nothing more but we will see tomorrow how it is."

Although far from their fluent best, Barcelona climbed four places up the table to fourth in La Liga to help ease the pressure on Valverde after a poor start to the season.

After his injury, the Barca captain received treatment on the edge of the pitch before carrying on until half-time.

The forward was replaced by French striker Ousmane Dembele at the start of the second half.

Nigerian youngster Samuel Chukwueze played the full 90 minutes at the camp Nou.

Elsewhere, newly promoted Granada went top of La Liga - level on points with Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid - after drawing 1-1 at Real Valladolid .

Real Madrid entertain Osasuna on Wednesday (20:00 BST) while Bilbao are at bottom club Leganes (18:00 BST).