Lionel Messi was forced off with an arm injury, just eight days before El Clasico against Real Madrid, shortly after scoring as Barcelona beat Sevilla 4-2 to go top of La Liga

The Argentine was left writhing in agony after landing heavily on his right arm after colliding with Franco Vazquez.

He was still in obvious discomfort as he left the field in the 26th minute.

Just moments earlier he had scored a sublime goal to put Barcelona 2-0 up.

Messi had also set up Philippe Coutinho for the opener on two minutes.

Barcelona now face a nervous wait to determine the severity of the 31-year-old's injury ahead of a crucial week that includes a Champions League tie against Inter Milan in midweek and the clash with Real Madrid next weekend.

Despite the injury to Messi, Barcelona extended their lead in the second half through a Luis Suarez penalty.

Pablo Sarabia's deflected long-range effort brought Sevilla back into the game before Barcelona had goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to thank for a wonderful double stop to deny first Sarabia and then Wissam Ben Yedder.

Ivan Rakitic's fine volley made it 4-1 and although substitute Luis Muriel curled home an impressive effort of his own, Barcelona held on to secure their first win in five La Liga matches.

The result also puts them one point clear of Alaves at the top of the table ahead of next week's huge game at the Nou Camp against rivals Real.