Barcelona are hopeful Lionel Messi will recover from a thigh problem in time to play in next month's Champions League final against Arsenal.

The 18-year-old, who has not played since picking up the injury during a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on March 7, has been receiving treatment in his native Argentina.

A scan on the injury on Thursday at a Buenos Aires hospital revealed Messi's recovery is progressing speedily and he is now expected to return to Barcelona, with a view to resuming light training in the near future.

Argentina national team doctor Donato Villani said: "The injury is progressing well but we can not set a date for his return because that would put extra pressure on him."

Jose Pekerman, the Argentina coach, is monitoring the situation closely, as he is desperate to have the youngster he has described as "a footballing genius" available for the World Cup finals.