Messi fired the only goal of the game as Barcelona beat title rivals Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp yesterday to move eight points clear at the top of the table.
They look a sure-fire bet to win the league and, according to Spanish news outlet Diario Gol, the Argentina superstar will only feature in important games on all fronts until the end of the season.
Barcelona face Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next week and will hope to go all the way in the competition.
The Blaugrana also face Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final next month.
Messi wants to secure the treble with Barcelona but is already focusing on this summer’s World Cup.
It is the only major trophy missing from his haul and he is determined to guide Argentina to glory in Russia.
According to Diario Gol, Messi has come to an agreement with Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde over his limited game time and preparation ahead of the World Cup.
It is claimed Messi dropped the bombshell news on his team-mates in the aftermath of the Atletico Madrid win, which reportedly ‘left the dressing room with its mouth open’.
The 30-year-old forward is unlikely to be the only first-team regular rested for Saturday’s trip to La Liga bottom-club Malaga.
Barcelona face Chelsea four days after that game and their last-16 tie is in the balance following a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg.
Andres Iniesta is a major doubt for the clash after being forced off with a hamstring injury against Atletico Madrid.
He was substituted in the 35th minute after pulling up with a problem.
Discussing the midfielder’s injury, Valverde said: ”Iniesta is a unique player, a little like [Leo] Messi, so it’s difficult to find a player who can replace him.
“He’s unique in the world with the characteristics he has.
“We will have to see the extent of the injury.
“He carried on playing so we thought it wasn’t too bad, but we’re not sure… He was playing incredibly.”
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