Barcelona eased to a 4-0 win over Getafe in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday as Lionel Messi grabbed a brace on his return from injury.
Messi had been sidelined since November with a hamstring problem but made a late cameo at Camp Nou in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey encounter with Getafe.
The Catalan giants were already 2-0 up when the Argentine star replaced Andres Iniesta in the second-half thanks to a brace from Cesc Febregas, and Messi put the tie beyond doubt with two late goals.
The 26-year-old has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks but Messi insists he intends to spend his whole career with Barca.
“My idea is to stay here and finish my career at Barcelona,” he said after the win over Getafe.
Barcelona face a crucial trip to Atletico Madrid on Saturday in La Liga, with the two sides locked on 49 points at the top of the Spanish table.
Messi hopes to be involved against the Rojiblancos but admits the final decision is in the hands of coach Gerardo Martino.
“If I can play against Atletico, I will. I’ll talk with Tata [Martino] and the doctors. I always think of the club, I have the same desire as always,” he added.
“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.”
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