Lionel Messi prioritising Barcelona and has no plans to force his comeback

Lionel Messi will adapt his calendar to keep in line with Barcelona's in terms of his recovery from a knee injury. It's not that the Argentina star doesn't have his national team on his mind; but the number one objective it to return to fitness without forcing things. So far, things are going well. 

On 'El Club de la Mitjanit' on Catalunya Radio, they have confirmed what SPORT reported on September 28. If Messi forces his recuperation, he could appear on the pitch again inside six weeks. But the medical report after the Las Palmas game said Luis Enrique would have him back within seven to eight weeks.

ARGENTINA CALENDAR 

The explination is found in the World Cup qualifiers that Argentina have planned in November against Brazil and Colombia. It could be a risk for the Barça forward to travel to South America on these dates to take part in these matches. 

Gerardo Martino, manager of the Argentina side, already showed in the last international break that both the Albiceleste and Barça need to be careful with how much the push Messi. Against Bolivia he played in the second half, although he played the whole match against Mexico. 

And 'Tata' Martino is unlikely to force the issue in terms of the games against Brazil (November 13) and Colombia (November 17), even if he has suggested Messi may be back by then. He will also be without the No.10 for this month's matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. 

OBJECTIVE: EL CLASICO 

For that reason, if the recovery continues on the right path, Messi's final phase before returning to action will be one or two weeks training with the squad, re-finding his form and re-discovering the good sensations. 

Leo is the first person who wants to adhere to the guidelines and he is counting on the advice of both the coaches and the medical teams at both Barcelona and with Argentina. His objective is to be ready for the Clasico against Real Madrid on November 21, which would then allow him to to build up ahead of the Club World Cup in Japan in December.