Lionel Messi seen without sling for first time after breaking arm as he sits beside son Thiago to watch Barcelona in El Clasico

LIONEL MESSI was spotted for the first time without a sling at El Clasico just a week after breaking his arm.

Barcelona's talisman watched his team pummel bitter rivals Real Madrid 5-1 at the Camp Nou alongside his son Thiago.

Lionel Messi watched El Clasico without wearing a sling

And the result will have given Messi as much joy as being without the sling.

The 31-year-old is still expected to be out of action for around two more weeks after fracturing his radius.

It happened 23 minutes into Barca's 4-2 win against Sevilla last weekend that saw Barca return to the top of La Liga.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was not missed when Julen Lopetegui's team came to town, though.

Messi was sat with son Thiago in the Camp Nou stands

He broke his arm in last weekend's win over Sevilla

Luis Suarez scored a hat-triack after Philippe Coutinho had given the hosts the lead in the 11th minute, and Arturo Vidal completed the scoring with three minutes remaining.

Messi had been in scintillating form for Barca this season - grabbing 12 goals in as many games - including five in two Champions League appearances.

A statement from the club said: "Tests carried out on the first team player Leo Messi have confirmed that he has a fracture of the radial bone in his right arm.

"He will be out for approximately three weeks."