PHOTOS: Lionel Messi throws up on the pitch

Lionel Messi endured an uncomfortable evening in Bucharest as Argentina were held to a goalless draw by Romania - and their superstar was physically sick on the pitch.

The Barcelona forward was unable to unlock a stubborn Romania defence on a frustrating night - and his exertions in trying to break through appeared to take its toll, as Messi fell ill during the first half.

Messi made a slow start to the match and vomited briefly on the field in the seventh minute, shortly after taking a free kick.

After the game Messi played down his on-pitch illness: 'My vomiting has always happened,' he said. 'It happened a few times with Barça. It's nothing to me.'

There was even more discomfort for Messi as he was targeted by a member of the crowd at the National Arena with a laser pointer.