Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is set to miss the Champions League final because of a thigh injury, according to press reports in Spain.

The 18-year-old has not played since suffering the injury during the 1-1 draw against Chelsea on March 7, but was expected to return to action ahead of the Champions League final against Arsenal after undergoing treatment in his native Argentina.

However, an unnamed member of Barcelona's medical staff told El Pais that Messi has only "a two per cent possibility" of facing the Gunners in Paris on May 17.

The report is sure to worry Argentina boss Jose Pekerman, as the youngster has established himself as a key member of the national team ahead of the World Cup finals.

The member of Barca's medical staff also warned that Messi would have to be patient in his recovery, adding: "If he's in too much of a hurry, he'll miss the World Cup.''