Lionel Messi has been declared fit by the medical staff at FC Barcelona. It means Frank Rijkaard is now free to pick the Argentina youngster for this weekends game at home to Racing Santander.

Messi has been out of action since early November after breaking his fifth metatarsal against Real Zaragoza.

Earlier, Messi took part in a training match with Samuel Eto'o with Barça B and Barça C at the Mini Estadi.