Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will miss Thursday's Club World Cup semi-final against China's Guangzhou Evergrande in Yokohama because of abdominal pain, the Spanish club said.

The Argentine wizard, who returned last month after a lengthy knee injury, is suffering from renal colic, a problem commonly caused by kidney stones.

"His future availability will depend on the outcome of further medical tests," said a statement on Barcelona's website.

European champions Barcelona are attempting to become the first side to win the Club World Cup three times.