Lionel Messi Didn’t Show Up in Barcelona’s First Training

DBasia.news – Lionel Messi was not seen at Barcelona’s inaugural pre-season training to welcome the 2020-2021 season. This reinforces the issue that La Pulga will leave Camp Nou.

Barcelona pre-season training took place at their headquarters, Ciutat Esportiva Juan Gamper, Monday (31/8) local time. This is also the first moment for Ronald Koeman to carry out his duties as coach.

There were 19 players recorded who participated in this first training. Some of them are Gerard Pique, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele, Jordi Alba, and Arturo Vidal.

The absence of Messi in Barcelona’s first training has actually been predicted by many parties. Moreover, the 33-year-old player also skipped the PCR test the day before, which is a mandatory requirement to return to the field.

Unlike Messi, the presence of Suarez and Vidal in this training session shows their high sense of professionalism. As is known, both of them were not included in Koeman’s plan and would be released.

Ivan Rakitic, who had taken part in the PCR test the day before, did not appear in the field. This is because the midfielder has completed his move to Sevilla.

Apart from Messi, 16 other players also missed Barcelona’s first pre-season training. The majority must fulfill the call of the national team which will compete in the international break this week.

In his inaugural training, Koeman hasn’t given too many heavy menus. Barcelona players are still training individually.