Barcelona's 'Strict' Order To Lionel Messi Before His Winter Break

Barcelona laid out a pretty simple message to Lionel Messi before he ventured back to Argentina for his winter break.

Messi returns to Barcelona on Wednesday after having Christmas and New Years off. He spent his break at home in Rosario with his wife and children.

The La Liga leaders allowed Messi to spend the festive period away from the first-team, whilst issuing a strict message; No training.

"Messi and company were told that the most important thing was rest and complete disconnection," per Daily Mail.

Messi wasn't the only Barcelona player given a 'special dispensation'.

His fellow South-American teammates Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez and Malcom also enjoyed a winter break back home.

At the half-way mark, Barcelona lead the way in La Liga and are in the next round of the Champions League with Messi firing on all cylinders.

He's weighed in with a shitload of goals and assists.

We're talking 15 goals in Spain's top flight not to mention 10 assists, and a further six goals in Champions League. Most of them in typically stunning, stunning fashion.

He's now recharged ahead of Barcelona attacking the second half of the season.

Barcelona resume their league campaign against Getafe, this weekend.