Messi to be rested periodically until end of the season LaLiga - Barcelona To boost his performance in critical games

As the final stretch of the season approaches, Barcelona star Lionel Messi is set to receive more time to rest in an attempt to boost his performance in his team's critical games.

After thorough discussions with his coach, Ernesto Valverde, the Blaugrana duo decided that the team would only benefit if the Argentinian arrives fresh to important moments, such as the upcoming tie against Chelsea for the Champions League.

Back in November, Messi was dropped to the bench for the game against Juventus, but his comments after the encounter proved that he has become aware of the fact that he can't feature in every single game at the age of 30.

"Whenever I have to sit on the bench, I get disturbed because I don't like to be off [the field]," he said during the ceremony in which he received his fourth Golden Boot.

"I like to participate, help from within, but I also understand that one season is long and that each day you have to take more care because the campaigns are getting tougher."

Ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Messi couldn't help but accept his new role in the team, although being rotated would have been unthinkable a few years ago.

He understands that he needs some rest during the season and the Argentine FA president, Claudio Tapia, is in unison with that decision.

"I hope all players arrive [at Russia] at the level they are at now," he noted.

"We ask Messi to take care of himself and to play less for Barcelona."

Although Barcelona's draw against Getafe on Sunday has alerted the Catalans, the upcoming game against Eibar could be a good chance for the player to receive some rest ahead of the Chelsea encounter.

The team are still within their three silverware targets and the upcoming World Cup is a huge opportunity for Messi to clinch the much-desired trophy, and although there is no pre-established calendar for the Argentinian to rest, he is set to get some breathing space.