Lionel Messi diagnosed with bruised left thigh, return unclear

Barcelona's Lionel Messi is uncertain whether he will play Sunday in Malaga after suffering a bruised thigh Wednesday. (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Barcelona soccer star Lionel Messi was diagnosed Thursday with a bruised left thigh suffered in Wednesday's draw at Atletico Madrid. The club is unsure when the reigning Ballon d'Or winner will return, according to an AP report Thursday. 

The 26-year-old Messi played only 45 minutes Wednesday before he was substituted at halftime of the 1-1 tie in the Spanish Super Cup as a precaution after experiencing pain in his leg. News of the test results on Thursday comes days before the team's next match Sunday in Malaga for the second round of Spanish league play.

According to the team's website on Thursday:

"Tests have revealed that the Argentinian has bruised the femoral biceps tendon in his left thigh. The FCB Medical Services have announced that they will be monitoring the player’s progress this week before deciding whether he will be fit to play on Sunday."

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