This picture of Lionel Messi relaxing with his wife in sun-soaked Argentina will be enough to send a chill down the spine of Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini.
The Argentina forward has been at an intense rehab camp in Buenos Aires recovering from a string of thigh problems which have ruled him out of action since November.
But he is scheduled to be back next month - meaning he will be gunning for Pellegrini and City when the sides meet in the Champions League in February
Wish you were here: Lionel Messi posted a picture of him and wife Antonella Roccuzzo in Rosario on Instagram
Glamorous: Antonella and Messi arrive at Xavi's wedding (left) and she holds their son, Thiago
Stretch: The forward injured his left thigh back in November against Real Betis, and has been in rehab since
Return: The Argentine star is expected to return for Barca's first game after the Christmas break, against Elche on January 5
Messi took the picture with wife Antonella Roccuzzo in his home town of Rosario, saying that these would be his 'last few days' in the city.
Barcelona are back in action on January 5, and the forward is expected to be fit for the Nou Camp clash with Elche.
However Barca, and in particular Neymar, have flourished in his absence, topping La Liga going into the new year. But Messi will certainly boost the Catalan giants.
And you would expect him to have regained form and fitness just in time for the clash with City, whose players, including Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero, have implored the 26-year-old to join them in Manchester - presumably so they do not have to face him.
But you would expect him to stay in Barcelona, start scoring and be in full flow by February.
Pellegrini, you have been warned...
Pensive Pellegrini: The Manchester City manager will surely not be happy that Messi should be back for their Champions League clash in February
New star: Barcelona's summer recruit Neymar has flourished in Messi's absence
In form: The Brazilian striker has 11 goals in all competitions so far this year, with five in his last two matches
New deal: Barca stalwart Andres Iniesta signed a new contract at the club earlier this week
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