Lionel Messi out for a month with arm injury

In exclusive photos from Diario SPORT, the Argentine has been pictured in a sling and it is now confirmed he will miss this Sunday's El Clasico.

The Spanish newspaper claims Messi began treatment for his fractured forearm on Monday and is expected to return to action after the next international break, when Barcelona face a trip to title rival Atletico Madrid on November 24.

In the meantime, Barcelona will have to make do without its talisman for the two Champions League clashes against Inter Milan, its La Liga matches against Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano, Real Betis, and Atleti and a Copa del Rey first leg against Cultural Leonesa.

This is the 20th injury Messi has suffered since signing his first professional contract with the club in 2005, missing a total of 88 matches -- in his absence, Barcelona has won 56, drawn 17 and lost 15.

Barcelona went back to the top of La Liga after Saturday's 4-2 victory over Sevilla but has looked far from its imperious best so far this season.