Messi: I've been out of action for two months and am lacking rhythm The Best 2019 Discussed his recent injury

Monday night was a happy one for Lionel Messi as he won The Best FIFA Men's Player award, but he has had a frustrating time of it recently due to the injury that kept him out of the start of the 2019/20 season.

The No.10 has made two substitute appearances for Barcelona in the past week, but still isn't 100 percent and, after speaking at the podium about how much the prize means to him, he also spoke about his fitness issues at the awards ceremony.

"I have been out of action for two months and I notice this," he said.

"I feel fatigued and heavy, lacking rhythm.

"They spoke to me about the seriousness of the injury."

The forward and captain of the Blaugrana is determined to return and to help get Barcelona back to winning ways.

"We've started badly and are struggling to create play and chances," he said.

"It's just the start, but we have to respond now.

"There's no more time and we have to improve a lot, we're aware of this.

"It's a team thing.

"I have no doubts that we'll improve."

Ansu Fati has earned minutes in Messi's absence and the Argentine is thrilled to see the 16-year-old do so well.

"I was impressed by him the first day I saw him train," Messi said.

"Then he was playing with us, he has great quality.

"We need to go little by little with him and not put pressure on him.

"We must help him and go slowly so that the buzz around him doesn't prevent him from growing, as he has what it takes to be a great player."