Barcelona management are refusing to write-off Lionel Messi's chances of facing Inter Milan in the Champions League.

After breaking down in their 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, it was expected Messi would be out of both the clash with Inter, plus the massive Real Madrid game this weekend.

However, after club docs examined Messi back at HQ on Sunday, the seriousness of the leg injury was downgraded.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola wants Messi to play against Inter, though he's been warned by the club's former medical chief Josep Borrell.

Borrell told local radio last night: "If he plays tomorrow and is injured, he could be out for a month."