Lionel Messi back in training after thigh problem

Madrid: Lionel Messi returned to training with his Barcelona team mates on Monday, suggesting the World Player of the Year could play a part in Wednesday's Spanish Super Cup second leg at home to Atletico Madrid.

The Argentina forward bruised a thigh in last week's first leg at the Calderon, which ended 1-1, and he was taken off at halftime before missing out on Sunday's 1-0 La Liga victory at Malaga as a precaution.

"He took another step forward in his recovery and took part in the session with his team mates on Monday," Barca said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es).