Barcelona says Lionel Messi's recovery from a hamstring injury is progressing positively.

Messi will travel to his native Argentina on Friday to begin the second phase of his recovery process, under the supervision of the Spanish champion's medical staff.

Barcelona says Messi's recovery "has been positive, as the latest medical scans have revealed."

Messi was initially ruled out for six to eight weeks after hurting his left hamstring during a Spanish league game at Real Betis on Nov. 10.

It was the Argentina international's third injury of the season.