Barcelona star Lionel Messi is said to be taking stepping up his recovery efforts from a hamstring injury, reports Marca.
Messi has been sidelined for almost a month after being forced to leave the pitch in the 4-1 win at Real Betis, and is back home in Argentina in an attempt to return after the Christmas break.
However, he is taking his comeback attempts so seriously he is understood to have rejected a number of invitations to different events, including one from his friend Gabi Milito who will have a match played in his honour on Boxing Day.
Messi is also reported to have turned down the opportunity to attend a dinner next Monday in aid of the youth sides at Newell’s Old Boys, the club he supported as a youngster.
After spending the weekend with his family he will be back in training that day and has a double session planned.
