Lionel Messi - injured
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has revealed that his only wish for the New Year is to enjoy an injury-free 2014.
Messi suffered a hamstring injury - and this brought a premature end to his play in 2013 as he has been left on the sidelines since November.
The 26-year-old looks set to return to action for the Blaugrana's clash with Elche on January 5; and he hopes to enjoy a prosperous and injury-free year.
Messi told Argentinean TV show Mundo Leo: "There are many important things in the human part, but sports-wise what I ask for 2014 is a year without
injuries.
"The goal now is to be physically fit and the idea is to get a couple of practice sessions with my team-mates before playing again.
"After celebrating the end of the year with my people, next Wednesday, January 1, I'll fly to Barcelona and, after my arrival, we'll see when I'm ok to play again."
Barca did well in Leo's absence as they qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League without their star man.