Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi could feature against Borussia Dortmund tonight in the Champions League.

The La Liga heavyweights kick off their European campaign against the Bundesliga outfit having been stunned by Liverpool in last season’s semi-final.

Ernesto Valverde wants his side to get off to a winning start and is ready to gamble on Messi.

The diminutive star is yet to play this term having suffered a calf injury picked up in pre-season.

According to Catalan daily Mundo Deportivo , Messi won’t start the clash having only been training with his team-mates since last week.

However, Valverde is keen to give him a run out in the second half as he looks to build up match fitness.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen says he’s delighted Messi is back in the fold.

“He’s an example, of course you miss the best player in the world,” the Germany international said.

“And. you can tell when he’s not there with you. Now he’s back and we hope he can help us.”

Speaking yesterday, Valverde explained that Messi had made good progress behind the scenes.

"A week ago, we weren't clear at all that he would be ready in time,” Valverde said.

“But in the last training sessions he has been with the team, he has finished well and the fear of feeling pain is leaving his head.

"He has improved a lot. We will decide tomorrow [Wednesday].”

Messi’s future remains the source of much speculation.

Earlier this month Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed Messi can leave the club in 2020 - as per his current contract.

"Messi signed until 2021. It was agreed that at the end of the penultimate season he is at liberty to leave for free,” he told Barca TV.

"He has earned that freedom to decide his future, but he is very Cule (Barcelona fan) and I am calm.

"Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and [Carles] Puyol all had the same clause and we couldn't give Messi a different clause, but I repeat, I am in no doubt he will stay for many years."