Messi snaps picture of 'last few days in Argentina' with wife before he returns to full fitness with Barca

Breathtaking skills, all the money you could want, and a gorgeous partner alongside him in sunny South America. You would have thought Lionel Messi had the perfect Christmas.

But the Argentine forward has been at an intense rehab camp in Buenos Aires and beyond, recovering from a string of thigh problems which have ruled him out of action for several months,

Barcelona, and in particular Neymar, have somewhat flourished in his absence, topping La Liga going into the new year.

But the Ballon d'Or hopeful will certainly boost the Catalan giants.

Wish you were here: Lionel Messi instagrammed a picture of him and wife Antonella Roccuzzo in Rosario

Stretch: The forward injured his left thigh back in November against Real Betis, and has been in rehab since

Messi took a picture with wife Antonella Roccuzzo in his home town of Rosario, saying that these would be his 'last few days' in the city.

Barca are back in action on January 5, and the forward is expected to be fit for the Nou Camp clash with Elche.

And with the Champions League clash with Manchester City on the horizon in February, you would have thought he would have regained form and fitness just in time.

Manuel Pellegrini, you have been warned...

New star: Neymar has flourished in Messi's absence