Barcelona have reportedly acknowledged that they are unable to continue to play Lionel Messi in every game for the remainder of the season.

Messi has played a regular part in three competitions this season, with 29 starts being made in La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

However, his game time has led to calls from Argentina to rest the 30-year-old ahead of next summer's World Cup and according to Marca, Barcelona have taken their opinion on board.

While Messi will likely play the majority of games throughout the rest of the campaign, Ernesto Valverde is expected to keep the forward in reserve for a number of matches in La Liga.

Barcelona have been held in their last two league fixtures, but the Catalan giants still remain seven points clear at the top of the standings.

With Barcelona facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League League early next week, Messi could potentially be rested for this weekend's league clash with Eibar.