The clash happened during the match on Wednesday.
Smalling clashed into Messi to win the ball in the first half as Barca won 1-0 at Old Trafford to take a slender advantage into next week’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg at Camp Nou.
Messi ended the game with bruising and swelling around his nose and cheek and will undergo tests back in Barcelona on Thursday to determine the severity of the blow.
It is believed that Messi will have to wear a mask for the second leg against United, but the initial diagnosis suggests that may not be necessary.
“It was a big blow, Messi has a scar and he bled a lot,” midfielder Sergio Busquets told reporters after the match.
“It was obviously uncomfortable for him but he put on a brave face and played as best as he could, as he always does.”
Messi’s cross to the far post in the 12th minute of the match found Luis Suarez whose header was turned into the net by Luke Shaw.
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