Argentina's pain is Barcelona's gain as Lionel Messi returns for the Spanish champion when Deportivo la Coruna visits Camp Nou on Saturday after being sidelined for three weeks with a groin injury.

Messi missed Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay as La Albiceleste's struggles without the five-time World Player of the Year continued, putting at risk its place at the 2018 World Cup.

However, international breaks have traditionally caused Barca trouble, with lethargic performances on return to La Liga action coming to be known as the 'FIFA virus.'