Dani Alves has likened Lionel Messi to a "Ferrari going through the workshop" after the Barcelona star was sidelined with a thigh problem.

The Argentina star, 26, was withdrawn at half-time during the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, in the first-leg of the Spanish Super Cup.

He has since undergone further tests after complaining of discomfort in his leg, with closer examination revealing bruising of his thigh muscle.