Barcelona's Lionel Messi wants to play against Atletico Madrid

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.