Messi avoids serious injury

Lionel Messi has been cleared of serious injury after hurting his ribs and back in Argentina's final Copa America Centenario warmup fixture on Friday.

Barca star Messi hobbled off the pitch in pain just after the hour mark in Argentina's 1-0 win over Honduras in San Juan, with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) later confirming the captain suffered rib and back contusions.

The 28-year-old was visibly distressed after copping a knock to the lower-back area and receiving treatment on the ground before being substituted.

However, the AFA gave no indication on a recovery time ahead of Argentina's Copa opener against defending champion Chile on June 6.

Prior to Messi undergoing CT scans at a local hospital, Argentina coach Gerardo Martino admitted he was concerned about Messi.

"Messi had a nasty blow to the lower back and we are doing studies," Martino said post match. "I cannot give a diagnosis, it was very sore. He had a heavy blow. 

"I have to wait for the diagnosis to give details, but we are always concerned about Leo."

After facing Chile, last year's runner-up Argentina takes on Panama (June 10) and Bolivia (June 14) in Group D.