Argentina star Lionel Messi has declared himself fit to play for Barcelona at Valencia this Saturday.

Primera Liga leaders Barcelona face a tough game away at the Mestalla stadium.

There had been fears that Messi would be missing for a couple of games after his exploits for Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers over the past week.

But according ot Marca, Messi, who took a private jet back to Spain, has told Barcelona he is ready to be picked for their crunch game at the weekend.

"It depends on the coach, but I am here to play," Messi is quoted as saying by Marca.

"I have been able to arrive [in Barcelona] sooner than expected thanks to the club, and I have a day to rest."

Messi added that he was relieved Argentina had qualified for the World Cup finals, and hoped that it would go some way to alleviating the pressure on coach Diego Maradona.

"There has been much talk and criticism of the team, of Diego, and we had to qualify.

"Beyond all that has been said, Argentina could not be out of the World Cup," he concluded.