Lionel Messi's condition had improved Saturday after the Barcelona superstar suffered a back injury in Argentina's 1-0 friendly victory over Honduras.

Team doctor Daniel Martinez told La Nacion newspaper that Messi felt less pain in his lower back a day after being left writhing in agony after a heavy collision with a Honduran opponent in the far western city of San Juan.

"Messi is better, with less pain than last night. His recovery is day to day, there are several treatments for this type of blow," Martinez said.