Las Palmas defender Pedro Bigas has apologised for injuring Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Messi is now recovering from a knee injury suffered in the clash.

"I didn't do it on purpose," Bigas said in a press conference. "I played the ball and he was hurt taking the shot. He's a great player and I hope he recovers quickly.

"I wanted to speak with him after the game but he had gone to the hospital for tests. I didn't know he was hurt [at the time], only after when the game had stopped.

"The impact was with the ball, me and him. I don't want to keep going over it but hopefully he recovers soon as he's one of the best players in the world."