Lionel Messi hopes to be allowed to miss Barcelona’s opener so he can travel to prepare for Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil.

The Spanish champion’s first league match is against Sporting Gijon on Aug. 31, while Argentina face a crucial World Cup qualifying clash against South American group leader Brazil on Sept. 5.

Argentina is holding on to the fourth and final automatic qualifying place for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

“I’ll play until the 28th and later I want to ask the coach if I can have permission to go, and miss the first game so I can prepare for the match against Brazil,” Messi said after arriving at Barcelona airport from Moscow, where Argentina played Russia in an exhibition.

Barcelona plays Shakhtar Donetsk in the European Supercup on Aug. 28.

Messi missed Wednesday’s match against Russia after Argentina coach Diego Maradona said he would not risk playing him because he had problems with a right leg muscle during training the previous day.

“I’m OK,” said Messi. “I just need to take it easy, start training and do the tests with the doctor.”

“I feel well. When I noticed the problem I got a little bit scared but now I hope to be able to play, and although we’re at the beginning of the season, it’s better to be careful now rather than be out of action for more time later.”