World Player of the Year Lionel Messi returned to full training with his Barcelona teammates on Monday for the first time since sustaining a nagging thigh injury two weeks ago.

"Barca's Argentine forward has taken another step forward in his recovery," the Spanish champion said on its website (www.fcbarcelona.es) on Monday.

The Argentine was forced off with the problem in the 2-0 win over Almeria on Sept 29 after scoring his 11th goal in just nine appearances this season to give his side the lead in that game.