Messi returns for Barcelona with a brace

Lionel Messi said he is looking forward to another big year in 2014 after scoring twice in his comeback from injury as Barcelona swept aside Getafe 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last 16 tie on Wednesday.

The four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner made his first appearance since early November as a substitute just after the hour mark with Barça leading 2-0 thanks to a Cesc Fabregas double.

And it didn't take long for the Argentina forward to make his mark as he slotted home from close range before registering his 16th goal of the season with a trademark solo run and finish in stoppage time.

There will be high expectations placed upon the 26-year-old over the next seven months as he spearheads Barça's campaign to win trophies on three fronts before leading his country at the FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil.