Messi feeling under no pressure to return for Barca

MADRID, Feb 3 (Reuters) Barcelona forward Lionel Messi said he did not feel under pressure to return to action to help resolve the team's faltering form after almost three months out with a foot injury.

The 19-year-old Argentine international broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during the 3-1 win over Real Zaragoza at the beginning of November.

He returned to Barcelona yesterday from a month working on his recovery in Argentina, and is scheduled to be ready in just over a week's time for the league match with Racing Santander.

''I feel the complete opposite of pressure. I am simply keen to get back on the field of play again,'' Messi told a news conference yesterday.

''If everything goes well the doctors have agreed I will return to training with the team on Monday.

''I am feeling good but have not played football for three months and this is all I lack now.'' With Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o close to returning after four months out with a knee injury, Barcelona are set to receive a major boost.

Although they top the Primera Liga by a point from Sevilla they have failed to find top form since losing in the Club World Cup final in December.

They have only two wins from their last six league games and trail Real Zaragoza 1-0 from the first leg of their King's Cup quarter-final.

The European and Spanish champions host Liverpool in the Champions League first knockout round on February 21.

Reuters SBA VP0630