Messi is winning his fitness battle for the match against Real Betis

Lionel Messi is winning the race to be fit for the match against Real Betis on Sunday. The Argentine star continues to increase the intensity in training and is expected to get his first minutes of the season for FC Barcelona.

He's fully recovered from his calf injury and is now working on his match sharpness after being unable to take part in any of the club's preseason matches. 

Messi will rejoin the main group for the final sessions on Friday and Saturday where a decision will be made on his status. Bar any setbacks, Ernesto Valverde will name him in the official squad and could even go straight into the starting XI.

It's extremely unlikely he would be able to complete 90 minutes but that decision will be made between the medical staff, Leo and Valverde.