Lionel Messi has been ruled out of action for up to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.

The Argentinian forward went off injured early in Barcelona's 4-1 win over struggling Real Betis last night.

It is not the first hamstring injury he has suffered during this calendar year.

Messi first suffered a thigh problem during last season's Champions League quarter-final against PSG and has endured recurrences of the problem this season, missing a number of league and European games.

Messi will miss Argentina's upcoming friendlies and is set to miss the Champions League tie against Celtic at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona team-mate Cesc Fabregas, who was also withdrawn with an injury, urged Messi to rest.

“He needs to take as much time as he needs, to recover and get back to his level. We need him at his best,” said Fabregas.

Barcelona Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta has stated that the club do not intend to rush Messi back.