Lionel Messi returns to training with Barcelona

Lionel Messi has returned from Argentina and resumed training with his Barcelona teammates while he waits to be cleared by team doctors to play.

Messi tore his left hamstring on November 10 and had been in his home country recovering since November 29. (Recap read: Messi begins rehab to finish healing leg)

Barcelona also says that goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been given the go-ahead by team doctors to return.

Valdes looks set to start for Barcelona in Sunday's home Spanish league match against Elche for his first action in six weeks since hurting a right leg muscle while playing for Spain in a friendly at South Africa.

Barcelona had its only two losses so far this season playing without Messi and Valdes.

Barcelona leads the Spanish league along with Atletico Madrid.