Messi posted a photo of his recovery (Photo: Lionel Messi on Facebook)

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has reassured fans he is doing everything he can to return to action as soon as possible.

The 28-year-old went off after 10 minutes of Barcelona's 2-1 win over Las Palmas last month with a torn knee ligament, and is expected to be out for up to another six weeks.

Messi missed Argentina's 2-0 defeat to Ecuador in World Cup qualifying and will also be absent for their clash with Paraguay on Wednesday.

Messi has vowed to 'come back stronger' (Photo: Instagram)

The forward will be keen to return in time for Barcelona's clash with Real Madrid in El Clasico on November 22, and he posted a photo of himself on Facebook wearing a compression device to aid his recovery.

"Step by step, I am working on recovering to come back stronger," he said in the post. "I'd also like to send a big hug and a lot of support to my Argentina teammates."

Messi was injured in the 2-1 win over Las Palmas at the end of September Messi was injured in the 2-1 win over Las Palmas at the end of September

The message came on the same day Messi found out he could face up to 22 months in jail if found guilty of defrauding the Spanish tax authorities.