Messi reads to Thiago

Lionel Messi took time off from Argentina duty as he enjoyed a book with his son after being permitted for a premature return to Barcelona.

Messi was granted permission to miss Argentina’s 4- 2 defeat by Nigeria on Tuesday and return to his the Spanish giants to rest ahead of their upcoming La Liga clash with Leganes.

The Barcelona star posted an image on Instagram enjoying a Spanish children’s book Topito Torremoto, which translates to ‘ Little Mole Quake’, with his son Thiago.

Messi, boasting a grin as he is snapped on a bed with his eldest son, but the Nigeria defeat may have been stuck in the back of his mind, with his absence noticeable.

Three second- half goals from Alex Iwobi, who scored a brace, and Brian Idowu secured an unexpected comeback after going into the break facing a 2- 1 deficit.

Despite missing out on the defeat, the Argentina captain played the full 90 minutes of their victory over Russia, sealed by a late Sergio Aguero winner.

The Barcelona forward was absent after being given permission by head coach Jorge Sampaoli to rest ahead of Barcelona’s trip to Leganes.

Victory for the Spanish giants could put more breathing space between themselves and El Classico rivals Real Madrid, who travel across the capital for a derby clash with Atletico Madrid.