Lionel Messi has broken a bone in his right arm and will be sidelined for about three weeks.

Barcelona made the announcement on Saturday after Messi left their Spanish league match against Sevilla in the first half at Camp Nou Stadium.

Messi was trying to reclaim the ball when he ran into the back of a defender and fell in the 17th minute. Trying to cushion his landing, his right elbow bent badly.

He was in visible pain and treated by team doctors. They wrapped his elbow with bandages and the playmaker tried to continue, but he eventually left the field.

Messi was taken to a clinic and the club said tests showed a "fracture of the radial bone."

The playmaker scored the team's second goal with a shot from outside the area in the 12th.

At the least, Messi will miss playing Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, and the clasico against Real Madrid next weekend.