Real Betis coach Rubi has joked he hopes Barcelona star Lionel Messi comes down with a cold ahead of his expected return from injury in La Liga on Sunday.

Messi missed the Catalans’ season opener last weekend through a calf complaint, with Athletic Bilbao claiming a late 1-0 win in his absence.

Much to Rubi’s dismay, the Argentine attacker has returned to full training and will likely play some part against Betis.