Lionel Messi will make his 500th Barcelona appearance as his side look to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga when they host Real Betis.

Messi, 28, flew back to Spain on a private jet after attending an awards ceremony in Dubai in order to play on Wednesday.

Their players have rested since their Club World Cup win on 20 December.

"After watching them train this morning I have every reason to be optimistic," boss Luis Enrique said on Tuesday.

"The only important thing is to get three points and extend our lead at the top of the table."

Barcelona won the La Liga title, Champions League, Copa del Rey and Club World Cup in 2015.

After drawing with Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna before the Club World Cup in Japan, Barca are now level on points with Atletico Madrid in the league, though they do have a superior goal difference and a game in hand.

After facing Pepe Mel's Real Betis, they will contest seven fixtures in January including a derby against Espanyol and a key meeting with Atletico.

Midfielders Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will both be eligible to make their debuts for the club in the new year, having been unable to play since being signed in the summer due to the club's transfer ban.

"They are dying to get out there and start helping the team on the pitch, and not just from the sidelines," Enrique told Tuesday's news conference.

Barcelona could be third in the table by the time they meet Betis at the Nou Camp as both Atletico and third-placed Real Madrid play earlier on Wednesday.

Betis will arrive in Catalonia with no wins in four outings but their away form is impressive, with just one defeat in eight games.