Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has said that he is eager to play against Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

The Argentine returned from a thigh injury on Wednesday when he came on as a second-half substitute against Getafe in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie at Camp Nou.

"If I can play against Atletico, I will," Goal.com quotes the 26-year-old as saying.

"I'll talk with Tata (coach Gerardo Martino) and the doctors. I always think of the club, I have the same desire as always. I was desperate to come back. I'd been sidelined for too long.

"I felt good physically, I didn't feel any pain in the hamstring. I was very happy to be in my country. I worked well to get out of this. Now I'm looking forward to a great year."

Messi scored twice on his return in Barca's 4-0 victory over Getafe.