Lionel Messi has returned to work with Barcelona after a lengthy absence.
Reports indicate that the superstar returned to Barcelona on Wednesday and is completely free from the muscle injuries that derailed most of his 2013.
"Messi has arrived, we will see when he returns to training if he will be as normal or needs to come in bit by bit," said Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta, according to ESPN. "We all know how important Leo is, on the level of numbers, quality and how he intimidates opponents.
"It is great news. We hope he feels confident, that he has no more problems, and that he can perform as he always has -- as the number one," Iniesta added. "The results are good, we have done well, but with them [the injured players] back we are even stronger. This New Year we are recovering people who are very important for the team. It is great news that Leo is back... we are at full strength now."
The superstar comes back to the team during a time of great need. His club is in a tough race for first place in the Spanish League. Atletico Madrid has matched them in points with 46, while Real Madrid is only five behind with 41. With 21 games remaining, the league is wide open.
Barcelona also needs Messi back in form as it takes on Manchester City in the round of 16 in this year's Champions League. City has a tremendously potent offense and recently defeated Bayern Munich in Germany; Barcelona was dominated 7-0 by Munich in last year's UCL semifinals.
Messi is second on the team with eight goals and four assists; Pedro leads the team with 10 goals while Cesc Fabregas has nine assists.
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