Four-time world player of the year Lionel Messi scored twice, including one brilliant individual effort, in his first start of the year as Barcelona beat Getafe 2-0 in the second-leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie to progress 6-0 on aggregate.

However, it was far from a perfect evening for the Catalans as Brazilian youngster Neymar had to be carried from the field after suffering what Barcelona described as torn tendons in his right ankle midway through the first half.

There was no contact with any Getafe player but further scans would be taken on Friday to assess the severity of the injury.

With Barcelona already leading 4-0 from the first leg, thanks in part to two goals from Messi in his first appearance as a substitute after two months out, Barca boss Gerardo Martino made nine changes to the side that started Saturday’s La Liga 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid.

Neymar was also making his first start of the year after recovering from a bout of gastroenteritis.

However, his return lasted only 23 minutes as he had to be helped off the field by two members of the Barca medical staff as he turned his ankle trying to cross the ball from the left side of the area.

The club released a statement shortly after the match.

“Initial examinations have found that the Brazilian forward has a sprain in the peroneal tendons of his right ankle,” the statement read.

“It is expected that this Friday, once the team arrives back to Barcelona, the player will undergo more tests to determine the exact extent of the injury.”