Lionel Messi working hard to be back: Gerardo Martino

Barcelona:  Lionel Messi is showing lethal form in training that suggests he will be back to his best soon although he will not feature in Sunday's clash with Elche, Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said.

The Argentine has had three training sessions in Barcelona since returning from his recovery programme in Buenos Aires and Rosario and scored a hat-trick in a practice game on Friday. "I am very pleased with his progress. He is physically strong and is showing the killer look he had before. If he continues like this and maintains the confidence then he will return to be the player that everyone remembers," Martino told a news conference.

Messi has suffered a series of hamstring strains since the end of last season and has been out of action since mid-November. "The treatment always depends on the extent of problem but we haven't dealt with this one any different to the others. The aim is to build him up sufficiently so that he will be strong for the rest of the season," said Martino.

Blackburn holds City

London: Premier League title favourites Manchester City were reduced to 10 men on Saturday as they survived a torrid examination of their class by lower league Blackburn Rovers in a feisty 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round.

City, unexpectedly beaten by Wigan Athletic in last season's FA Cup final, went ahead with a 45th minute goal by Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo, but Championship side Blackburn levelled 10 minutes later through a similar close-range effort by Scott Dann.

Manuel Pellegrini's much-changed team had further chances to score but also rode their luck and needed to bring on Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure for Brazilian Fernandinho to retain control. Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata was dismissed in the 85th minute following two yellow card offences.

Blackburn pushed hard for a winner in the closing minutes, but City replaced Spanish winger David Silva with Argentine defender Pablo Zabaleta and hung on for a replay back at the Etihad Stadium. Blackburn manager Gary Bowyer, whose father Ian was an FA Cup winner with City in 1969, beamed with pride following his team's spirited display. "We had a chance and we did very well. I am very proud of my players for their efforts," he said.

The match reeked of the clubs' contrasting roles in English football history -- Blackburn having won the FA Cup six times between 1884 and 1928 and City having won the trophy five times, including 2011 when they overcame Chelsea.

On a wet surface after days of stormy weather, conditions were difficult for defenders and both goalkeepers struggled, each appearing at fault for the goals, to the delight of a raucous crowd at Ewood Park.