Lionel Messi, Ivan Rakitic back in Barcelona training for Leganes clash

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A member of Russia's U-17's dedicated a few words to Argentina's Lionel Messi.

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Lionel Messi and Ivan Rakitic returned to training with Barcelona on Wednesday ahead of the weekend game at Leganes.

The duo, who had been on international duty, completed the team's third training session of the week.

Messi, La Liga's leading scorer with 12 goals, played all of Argentina's 1-0 win over Russia in Moscow on Saturday.

He was given permission to return to Barcelona and rest for a few days rather than playing in Tuesday's friendly against Nigeria by national team coach Jorge Sampaoli.

Rakitic, meanwhile, played all 180 minutes of Croatia's World Cup playoff against Greece. Croatia sealed their place in Russia with a 4-1 aggregate win.

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Barca, four points clear of Valencia at the top of the Liga table, are aiming for a fourth straight league win when they take on Leganes.

Adriana Garcia is a Valencia-based football writer who covers La Liga for ESPN FC.

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Source: espn.co.uk