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Lionel Messi suffered severe bruising in clash with Manchester Uniteds Chris Smalling

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Lionel Messi was hurt following a challenge from Chris Smalling (Picture: Getty)

Lionel Messi suffered significant bruising following a challenge by Chris Smalling during last nights Champions League quarter final first leg tie at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United defender caught Barcelonas captain with a flailing arm which left the 31-year-old with a bloodied nose which required treatment.

Messi produced a rare indifferent performance, although he did play a crucial role in Luke Shaws own goal which separates the sides ahead of next weeks return match, and his manager Ernesto Valverde revealed the 31-year-old will undergo tests ahead of Saturdays Liga match against Huesca.

Messi wasnt so comfortable after the blow, Valverde revealed after the match, said Valverde.

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We have to examine him tomorrow to see how he is. He was strong, but he has quite a significant bruise.

United fail to register a shot on target in a Champions League match for the first time since 2005 and Messis teammate Jordi Alba though his side controlled the match throughout.

We were very good without creating as many chances as usual, said Alba.