Barcelona ace Lionel Messi has confessed to teammates and staff he's knackered.

Messi again proved the matchwinner on Sunday for victory over Atletico Madrid to strengthen their status as LaLiga table leaders.

However, Diario Gol says immediately after the win, Messi informed senior teammates that he needed to rest and expects to take a break over the coming week.

The Argentine had already discussed stepping away for several days last month with coach Ernesto Valverde.

And with the result against Atletico now settled, Messi is expected to be granted several days off to refresh.